Aeronautical remains in work at Rosehill as trainer Lionel Cohen freshens him up with a Group One sprint in mind.
The Listed Rosebud winner finished at the tail of the field in the Group One Golden Rose (1400m) last start and Cohen has shelved any thoughts of going towards the Caulfield Guineas.
However, should the gelding continue to please in the next week, Cohen will run Aeronautical in the Group Two Roman Consul (1200m) at Randwick on October 1 before a possible tilt at the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby day.
“He’s still in work, he took his race quite well and he’ll go to the Roman Consul next,” Cohen said.
“On his last run I’m not quite sure he got the 1400 metres although it was difficult to judge because of the way the race panned out.
“I think he’s more effective at 1200 metres.”
Aeronautical emerged as a spring prospect with two impressive wins over 1200m at Randwick in July and early August including the Listed Rosebud Quality.
The son of Encosta De Lago sustained powerful runs from the tail of the field in both his Randwick wins but circumstances meant he was in front early in the Golden Rose before Glyn Schofield took over on eventual winner Manawanui.
“He looks to be more of a sprinter,” Cohen said.
“Once he matures a bit more he’ll get a bit further but right now he’s a sprinter. His best performances were both over 1200 metres at Randwick so we’ll stick with that for now.”
Aeronautical was beaten just over five lengths in the Golden Rose and Cohen believes it “wasn’t a bad run” under the circumstances in his first Group One test.
“It’s just a difficult race to assess,” he said.
“He found himself in front for that short while, I think he was still in the race at the 200 metre mark without going to win, and it was the last 200 that he tired.
“I think just looking at that, 1200 metres is probably his go.
“If he comes through (the Roman Consul) well we’ll definitely consider the Coolmore.”
AAP TURF
