The connections of Miss Roseiano have made a $55,000 gamble that the filly is up to winning the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.
That is the price they had to pay to get the daughter of Exceed And Excel into the Group 1 race for two-year-olds over 1200m on Saturday.
Having already banked $183,000 courtesy of her win in the Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) on January 26 followed by her second-place finish in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 12, Miss Roseiano was assured of start in Saturday’s feature.
But the filly was not among original entries, and it was only ahead of Tuesday’s final acceptance that connections decided to pay the late entry.
First prize on Saturday will reap connections $900,000. They will recoup their money if Miss Roseiano finishes fourth, collecting $67,500 while fifth prize money is $37,500.
Miss Roseiano’s trainer Peter Gelagotis is confident the filly can get a major slice of the prize money.
“On exposed form, I would like to think we are in the play for a top four finish,” Gelagotis told RSN.
“I’ve got massive respect for the opposition, but we have to focus on our own game, and I think we’ve ticked every box.
“She’s a revelation. She’s been able to cope with whatever I have asked of her and that’s all you can do.
“Her two runs have been very competitive and there is no reason why she cannot be competitive again on Saturday.”
Miss Roseiano has drawn barrier nine on Saturday and in an ideal world Gelagotis would have liked a lower draw.
The filly led to win on debut then tracked the leader at her second start when run down late.
“I’ve had the pleasure of comparing her first-up run to her second-up run and I’ve tightened the screw up and she’s coped with it fine,” Gelagotis said.
“I’m pleased with the way she’s handled herself and I’m looking forward to the challenge on Saturday.”
