Golden Rose aspirations for untapped colt Red Dynamite will be put to the test on Saturday when he tackles the Listed Rosebud.
Trainer Tim Martin has flagged the Group One $1 million feature as a spring goal for the three-year-old but only if he can measure up against the likes of She’s A Fox and Urquidez at Warwick Farm.
“The whole reason he is running on Saturday is to see if he’s worthy of running in that (Golden Rose),” Martin said.
“It’s a big test for him and Saturday will answer a few questions.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Urquidez, he was very impressive last time, as well as She’s A Fox.”
Red Dynamite is the wildcard in the small but select field of five.
After posting two impressive barrier trial wins, the colt headed to the country track of Goulburn for his first start last month.
He drew the outside and carted 58kg but still proved a class above his rivals, scoring by almost four lengths.
The effort wasn’t unexpected but Martin was pleased to see Red Dynamite deliver under race conditions.
“It was what we expected but they’ve still got to do it and a lot of them don’t,” he said.
Goulburn is not a usual hunting ground for Martin but the appeal of getting Red Dynamite some confidence and a two-year-old win on his record prompted him to utilise the country track.
He rates the surface as one of the best in the state and plans to take more horses there in future to kick off their careers.
“I wanted to give him a soft win,” Martin said.
“Apart from Randwick and Rosehill it’s the best track.
“He’s the first good one I’ve taken down there but I will be taking more in the future.”
Red Dynamite was a $6 chance for the Rosebud on Thursday with She’s A Fox in the red at $1.80, ahead of Urquidez ($3.80) and Victorian Pronto Pronto ($5).
Secret Delight rounds out the field at $26.
Meanwhile, Martin reported Scone and Gosford Guineas winner Pampelonne was back in the stable and would be set for the Salinger Stakes during the Melbourne spring.
