Rosberg has been marked as a colt to keep, with Clinton McDonald declaring his latest prospect is strictly “not for sale” despite regular approaches from Hong Kong buyers. Instead, the Deep Field three-year-old is being prepared for a path aimed at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m).

Rosberg will debut in Saturday’s Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. McDonald sees the Coolmore on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival as the natural target if the colt performs. “It’s a big ask but we think he’s a horse that is up to it,” he said. “He’s got to put his hand up on Saturday.”

The imposing colt had an important gallop at The Valley this week, impressing the stable. With regular rider Ben Melham sidelined, Jamie Mott will take the reins. “He’s a clean-winded horse, 16.3 hands and 575 kilos… he’s taken time, but it’s time to pull the band-aid off and see what we’ve got,” McDonald said.

Backed from $6 into $5 in early markets, Rosberg has created interest before his first start. “We’re going there to win,” McDonald said. “He’s fit, he’s had a good prep, and he’s the sort of colt who should handle the occasion.”