At Moonee Valley, Clinton McDonald experienced both disappointment and delight in quick succession. Thirty-five minutes after watching Angel Capital – a colt he once trained – win the Chautauqua Stakes, his own rising star Rosberg made the perfect start to his career in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m).

Angel Capital had provided McDonald with the McKenzie Stakes a year ago before being sold to Yulong Stud and joining Chris Waller’s stable. While it was bittersweet to see his former horse succeed, McDonald’s focus was firmly on Rosberg, a colt he has long tipped for the top. Starting as the $3.40 favourite, Rosberg justified that confidence with a gritty half-length win over outsider Stay Cosmic ($20) and the well-supported Bacash ($5.50).

“He’s the real deal,” McDonald said afterwards. “It hurt a little watching Angel Capital win earlier, but to have Rosberg come out and do this means a lot. He does things at home that only special horses can do, things that remind me of Weekend Hussler.”

Rosberg is being aimed at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on November 1, with a likely stepping stone being the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m). The colt’s winning rider Jamie Melham – taking over from her suspended husband Ben – said there was still significant improvement to come. “He’s a proper horse,” she said. “He was a bit rude behind the gates and hated the rail, but once he got out, he let down really well. He’ll only get better with racing, and I’m sure he’ll be spot on for Ben next start.”