The $1million 2013 Golden Rose is Sydney’s first Group 1 race of the new season. Join us from 4.30pm AEST for a preview, live blog and post-race analysis.
A number of previous Golden Rose winners have progressed onto subsequent Group 1 wins later in their careers, including Epaulette, Toorak Toff, Duporth and Forensics.
Last year’s winner Epaulette went on to win the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 this winter.
Since the race was elevated to Group 1 status in 2006, the race has been won five times by a last start winner and Forensics is the only winner since 2006 to start from a double figure barrier.
Peter Snowden and Anthony Cummings boast the best Golden Rose records with three and two wins respectively.
High profile trainers Gai Waterhouse, David Hayes and Chris Waller are yet to take out the $1 million dollar race.
Now let’s look into the running of this year’s event.
Prince Harada is currently on top of the betting at $4.20, followed by Fast ‘N’ Rocking ($6), Cluster ($9) and Zoustar who has drifted to $11 since the barrier draw.
The speed of this year’s Golden Rose looks to be blistering with all of Gai Waterhouse’s runners likely to go forward.
Especially War, Bull Point and Aussies Love Sport from his wide draw. Drago, Criterion and Into The Red are normally slow out of the gates and will all look for cover at the back of the field.
From the barrier draw the biggest question will be, where does Zoustar go from his carpark draw?
Since the start of the new season I have had Zoustar on the top of my list to win the Golden Rose but after Tuesday’s barrier draw it has changed my mind slightly.
I thought his efforts in the Run to the Rose were enormous, still fighting on strongly after sitting wide throughout the race.
Looking back at last year’s Run to the Rose it was a very similar run to that of eventual Golden Rose winner Epaulette.
Jim Cassidy must make a decision early, if he gets some sought of cover he will be in the finish up to his ears.
Fast ‘N’ Rocking finally scored his maiden victory last start in the McNeil after never running a bad race so far in his short career.
He was slightly erratic 200m out and caused interference between Miracles of Life and Prince Harada, who was severely checked.
What impressed me the most though was how strongly he surged to the line after the interference occurred. Barrier 5 is ideal for him and should get a great run in transit, especially when he has top jockey Brett Prebble on board.
As I mentioned previously Prince Harada copped heavy interference last start and a number of people say he should of won the race, I beg to differ.
The concern here though is he has drawn Barrier 1 and will he start well enough to gain clear galloping room in this field of 17.
He certainly has the ability to win this race but I believe Fast ‘N’ Rocking may have it over him again.
For me though you will see Prince Harada at his best in the Caulfield Guineas and beyond.
Anthony Cummings star duo Cluster and Drago are two class colts and both have big futures ahead of them.
I definitely think they will figure in the first five or six here but in my opinion they will only get better when they race over further in races like the Spring Champion and Victoria Derby later in the Spring.
Eurozone can definitely turn things around after a disappointing eightth last start. He raced wide and had nothing left in the tank as they turned into the straight.
The Bart Cummings three-year-old would probably prefer the ground soft here and with some rain predicted over the next few days, this could play right into his hands.
Brad Durrant’s tips
1. Fast ‘N’ Rocking
2. Zoustar
3. Prince Harada
4. Eurozone
Justin Cinque’s tips
1. Fast ‘N’ Rocking
2. Prince Harada
3. Eurozone
4. Drago
Andrew Hawkins’ tips
1. Eurozone
2. Fast ‘N’ Rocking
3. Zoustar
4. Prince Harada
Cameron Rose’s tips
1. Fast ‘N’ Rocking
2. Cluster
3. Zoustar
4. Prince Harada
Alfred Chan’s tips
1. Dissident
2. Fast ‘N’ Rocking
3. Drago
4. Prince Harada
Roar writers 2013 Spring Carnival tipping tally (five points if winning horse is tipped for first; three points if tipped for second; two for third and one for fourth):
After week four
Alfred Chan: 16
Justin Cinque: 10
Cameron Rose: 6
Andrew Hawkins: 5
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
That wraps things up here for the 2013 Golden Rose. Chris Waller and Jim Cassidy have teamed up to win with the mighty colt Zoustar. It was certainly a great rendition of the Golden Rose and will be remembered for many reasons including Bull Points unbelievable finish from 10 lengths last to 3rd. We will be back next week for two more sensational Group 1 races with the Underwood and George Main Stakes. I've got the feeling it's going to be a superb spring to remember. Happy Racing!
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Immense run, his day will come
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Still in awe of Bull Points run. Dissident another gallant 2nd
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
I still can't believe Bull Points run. He was 10 lengths last at one point and came barnstorming down the outside for 3rd. Dissident's run was also immense, was posted 3-4 wide up on the speed and had no right to be in the finish.
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
As I mentioned in my article above, Zoustar's lead up run in the Run to The Rose was very similar to that of Epaulette. It's quite scary that they also had almost similar runs to win the Golden Rose.
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Sidestep (4th) was also great after hitting some interference before they turned. Drago also hit some interference and finished off well. He definitely wants it further, Spring Champion and The Derby is going to be more his go.
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Chris Waller & Jim Cassidy team up for the 2nd time today to win over 1400m. Jim Cassidy took the risk, went back and switched Zoustar off. This win takes Jim Cassidy's Group 1 tally to 99!! Go the pumpa!
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Fast n Rocking had a perfect run in transit but never had clear room when it counted Prince Harada hit the line strongly when he got clear and will improve even more when he gets out further
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
What a run and what a ride from Jim Cassidy! Dissident was a gallant 2nd Bull point flies from the back to finish 3rd
Justin Cinque
Expert
Wow Zoustar!! Dissident good again And Bull Point has come from two suburbs off second last - somewhere near the oil refinery - to get third
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
ZOUSTAR Wins the 2013 Golden Rose
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Into the Red leads Bull Point last
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
And they are Off!!! Zoustar goes back Cluster shows early speed Fast n Rocking 5th on the fence
Bondy
Guest
Go Dissident..
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
The horses are loading into the gates. Early favourite Prince Harada has drifted in the betting out to $6.50
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
The punters don't think the barrier is going to be a concern. Zoustar is the market mover!!
Justin Cinque
Expert
A great rendition. Great atmosphere at the Gardens for this Group 1.
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
The Australian National Anthem is playing in the background while the 3yo boys make their way round to the start
Brad Durrant
Roar Guru
Looks like Fast n Rocking is going to start favourite. He is still on top for me
Justin Cinque
Expert
Down at the mounting yard before the Golden Rose there is a sense of anticipation. Just in front of me, is James Cummings, saddling up his first Group 1 runner as trainer. He is a picture of concentration. Eurozone, his horse is toey. So many beautiful colts here, they are the future of Australian racing. Cluster is a giant, he, like many, can't be faulted on looks. The conditions are comfortable and that's why many aren't getting hot despite the crowd and fanfare. I'm sticking with Fast N Rocking but it's wide open