Adrian Bott is hopeful that the judicious decision to take a patient approach with the returning galloper Revengeance will lead to a lucrative spring carnival reward, commencing with his reappearance in the San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill.
The colt was withdrawn from the autumn carnival after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from his knee, an injury that occurred following his victory in the Golden Gift (1100m) in November.
He has been afforded a gradual build-up towards his resumption. The stable had contemplated initiating his campaign in the Rosebud (1100m) a fortnight ago but ultimately opted to preserve his resources for Saturday’s event.
“We trialled instead. He’d had a long time off and I didn’t want to rush him back,” Bott commented.
“Plus he would have had to carry a bit of weight with his Golden Gift win. He will be better suited in the San Domenico.”
Revengeance has undertaken three trials in preparation for his comeback, with his most recent trial performance impressing Bott.
However, the Tulloch Lodge conditioner has cautioned potential backers that the three-year-old colt is expected to perform optimally over distances exceeding 1100m as his campaign aims for the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) next month.
“He looks fantastic. He’s come back really well and he is stretching out nicely,” he remarked.
“It might be a bit short for him. I think he’ll be a lovely horse as he gets out to 1400 and 1600 metres.”
Revengeance is assigned barrier six in the field of eight and is slated to follow the customary path to the Golden Rose (1400m) via the Run To The Rose (1200m) scheduled for September 12.
Provided conditions are favourable, connections are also expressing interest in campaigning the horse in Melbourne, with races such as the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) being considered.
Tulloch Lodge boasts a strong recent history in the San Domenico Stakes, having celebrated victories with In The Congo in 2021 and Storm Boy in 2024.
Consider the betting markets for the race at the San Domenico Stakes.
