In an ideal scenario, Revengeance would be contending in the Caulfield Guineas this weekend. However, the colt is now scheduled to compete in a Listed race at Rosehill, a necessary adjustment to his campaign following an unexpected illness.
The initial plan for Revengeance involved targeting the Golden Rose (1400m) and subsequently the Guineas (1600m). Unfortunately, a timely illness disrupted these aspirations, prompting his Tulloch Lodge trainers to reconsider their approach.
This strategic shift has led them to consider Saturday’s Tapp-Craig (1400m) at Rosehill, with the Callander-Presnell (1600m) later this month now identified as the colt’s primary objective.
“He got a temperature prior to (Golden Rose) acceptances, which meant we had to skip that race, unfortunately,” co-trainer Adrian Bott stated. “It all resolved very quickly, but the timing wasn’t right for what was going to be a hard 1400 metres in the Golden Rose.”
“We’ve had to pivot plans, and this looked to be a nice race. Given the length of time between runs, this will help build him towards the Callander-Presnell, which will be his main grand final now.”
Following a return from an extended break with an unplaced run in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m), Revengeance demonstrated promise by finishing sixth in the Run To The Rose (1200m), trailing the subsequent Golden Rose winner Warwoven by 2-1/2 lengths.
Bott drew substantial encouragement from that effort and is confident the colt can still salvage his preparation.
Stablemate Plagiarism is also slated for the Tapp-Craig after finishing midfield in the Golden Rose and is expected to appreciate the class drop.
“He was the best of the on-pace runners there,” Bott commented. “He was just in a position where he did a lot of work then absorbed a lot of pressure mid-race. The fact he stuck on as well as he did was a very good effort.”
Lightly exposed three-year-olds Blessed Eagle and Our Emperor will contest the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m), with Blessed Eagle having earned his place through two wins in three starts in midweek grade.
“He’s really starting to put it all together and learn what’s it’s all about,” Bott said of Blessed Eagle. “That last start was very good. From the minute he left the gates, he never looked like getting beaten. He’s stepping up in grade now, and there’s going to be more pressure there, but he’s a damn nice horse.”
Bott mentioned that Our Emperor has made significant fitness gains since his disappointing return in the Heritage Stakes (1100m), where he chased the solid speed set by the brilliant filly and eventual winner, Blue Door.
“I’d be forgiving of that. I want to give him that opportunity again because I’ve always felt he’s a nice horse,” Bott said. “On debut, he really impressed us. Hopefully we can see him bounce back on Saturday.”
New online bookmakers are offering competitive betting markets for the Tapp-Craig.
