Trainer Gratz Vella has decided that Music Time will be aimed at The Kosciuszko during the spring carnival, rather than the three-year-old classic, the Golden Rose.
Vella highlighted the strong appeal of The Kosciuszko for trainers based in country areas, suggesting the Golden Slipper runner-up would be better suited to the 1200-metre distance at Royal Randwick.
“The Kosciuszko is a $2 million race for country horses and that is hard for a battling bush trainer like me to ignore,” Vella told Racing And Sports. “So, we are trying to plan for him to get to The Kosciuszko. We will see how the horse is over the next month and might look at a three-year-old lead-up race.”
Music Time will be attempting to make history by becoming the first three-year-old to win the $2 million The Kosciuszko on October 17, the same day as The Everest.
He is currently positioned at $8 on TAB Fixed Odds for The Kosciuszko, second only to Torque To Be Sure who is at $6.
In the early betting for the Group 1 $1 million Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on September 26, Music Time is a $26 chance, with Golden Slipper winner Guest House being the $4.50 favourite.
“I just think the Golden Rose might be a bit early for him,” Vella revealed.
During his two-year-old season, Music Time secured victories in three out of his five starts, including a commanding wire-to-wire win in the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes at Canberra.
Following his excellent run in the Black Opal, connections decided to pay the $150,000 late entry fee for the Golden Slipper. The gelding responded admirably, finishing third and earning $425,000 for his effort.
Vella spelled Music Time after the Slipper, and he has since returned to the stables “bigger and stronger”, according to Racing And Sports.
“He’s been back in a month, he’s grown and put on some weight which is what you would expect,” Vella said. “He’s doing everything right.”
The form from the Golden Slipper, where Music Time finished behind Guest House and Streisand, has been further validated by the subsequent performances of fourth-placed Campione D’Italia and Fireball (seventh).
Campione D’Italia subsequently claimed victory in the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes, while Fireball finished third. The two colts then renewed their rivalry in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes, where Fireball narrowly defeated Campione D’Italia.
“The form around Music Time is super,” Vella enthused. “It’s exciting to think what is ahead for him next season.”
For those keen on placing a wager, consider the available online bookmakers for The Kosciuszko.
