High-profile colt All Too Hard, a confirmed Sydney runner on Saturday, is almost certain figure in a gear switch for a rematch with unbeaten star Pierro.
Nathan Tinkler’s three-year-old has been entered for three races in two states at the weekend but the half-brother to Black Caviar will take his place against Pierro in the Group Three Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill.
“He’ll run in Sydney on Saturday in the lead-up to the Golden Rose,” co-trainer Wayne Hawkes told radio station Sky Sports Radio.
All Too Hard, beaten into second place by Pierro at their only clash in last season’s ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes, heads betting on the Golden Rose at $2.80.
Pierro has been removed from the market on the expectation he will miss Sydney’s only $1 million race of the spring, leaving the unbeaten filly Nechita, also owned by Tinkler, as a $5 second pick.
Hawkes said All Too Hard wore winkers in a Rosehill track gallop on Tuesday and flagged a gear change for Saturday’s race.
“Winkers or blinkers, he’s going to have one or the other,” he said.
“These are little things we are tinkering with to make sure he’s right for the Group One (Golden Rose).”
At his new-season return, All Too Hard was a victim of an untidy start and a slow tempo when he was beaten just under three lengths finishing in the minor placing behind Snitzerland in the San Domenico Stakes.
“We weren’t disappointed with his run because his sectionals were outstanding,” Hawkes said.
“But if you miss the kick it’s all over, isn’t it?
Anthony Cummings is now expected to have two Run To The Rose starters after Your Song came through a barrier trial without incident and Ninth Legion pleased the trainer in a track gallop.
Your Song finished second in a 1050m heat at Randwick, doing enough to convince Cummings that he is in the right shape to make his return from a let-up.
Cummings had been looking at the Listed Ming Dynasty (1400m) on Saturday week for Ninth Legion’s final Golden Rose lead-up.
“Ninth Legion will run,” Cummings said.
“While the race next week is attractive for Ninth Legion, the reality is his best prospects in terms of giving him his best opportunity in the Golden Rose is by running on Saturday.”
