Run To The Rose – 2022

Track: Soft   Weather: Sunny on Race Day.

Eleven runners have accepted for the $250,000 Group 2 Run To The Rose and there has been one early scratching. The Godolphin stable and the Annabel Neasham stable have two runners entered each whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Best of Bordeaux has opened as the early favourite at $3.40. He had a mixed run in the San Domenico Stakes where he was crowded early and inconvenienced at the 200m mark when running a 3.8 length fifth. The jockey James McDonald was happy with the run, so you have to respect his opinion.

Nettuno is on the second line of betting at $5.00. He was bold in the San Domenico Stakes when finishing 1.6 lengths off the winner in second, and that was despite being held up around the 200m mark. It was a solid return and will take plenty of improvement from the run.

In Secret is on the third line of betting at $5.50. She was entered for the Furious Stakes last weekend but was scratched due to the track downgrade. Prior to that, she was a brilliant second in the Silver Shadow Stakes.

1. Best of Bordeaux (5)

Mixed run in the San Domenico Stakes but the stable and jockey are confident of an improved run here. He has drawn well and with a run under the belt, he should be thereabouts here. I expect a much better run.

2. Sejardan (10)

Returning after 175 days. His preparation in the autumn was mixed and has since trialled twice to the stable’s satisfaction. The draw isn’t ideal but he has run well previously first up.

3. Swiss Exile (8)

I thought the run first up was immense considering the eventual winner Cannonball finished well back whilst he finished within 2 lengths of first and second, and he also was keen whilst racing wide with no cover. He was strong through the line also, so the extra 100m here will be ideal and with how a couple of runners ran last start, the draw should be okay for him to jump and get to the front. Looks a nice bet.

4. Promitto (2)

Finished off the race well in the San Domenico Stakes, but he is running and profiling like he would prefer 1400m-1600m. Drawn nicely here to sit a touch closer and should be strong through the line.

5. Nettuno (1)

Was a nice run in the San Domenico Stakes when being held up near the 200m mark and hitting the line well. Drawn ideally to sit closer in the run should they want, has a run under his belt, and should be once again fighting out the finish.

6. Sweet Ride (6)

We saw a much more improved run when winning the San Domenico Stakes, but now he has to put back-to-back rides together. Drawn and maps to get a similar run, and can’t be dismissed at the big price.

7. Fireburn (7)

Returning after 147 days. The Golden Slipper winner is resuming on the back of some ordinary trials and the trainer has stated that he has no idea where she is at. The Autumn form hasn’t stood up yet, and people are also weary of the Slipper curse. I want to see how she returns before diving in.

8. Political Debate (4)

Returning after 91 days. He usually gets back in his races and his trials have just been fair. Looking for a nice return for races down the track over further.

9. Spacewalk (11)

SCRATCHED

10. Buenos Noches (9)

Hit the line well in the San Domenico Stakes when 4 lengths back in sixth. The extra 100m suit but he is also entered for Flemington in search for dryer tracks. Place chance at best.

11. In Secret (3)

Scratched from the Furious Stakes due to the track downgrade. She has been entered for Flemington as well. If she stays here, she has drawn well and will run another big race.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
3 Swiss Exile	1 Best Of Bordeaux
5 Nettuno	5 Nettuno
11 In Secret	2 Sejardan
6 Sweet Ride	7 Fireburn

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 In Secret
2nd	1 Best Of  Bordeaux	1.71 lengths
3rd	6 Sweet Ride	2.06 lengths
4th	5 Nettuno	3.23 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 9. Spacewalk, 10. Buenos Noches.