Aussies Love Sport will not be part of Gai Waterhouse’s Golden Rose assault but the trainer says he will be a Group One force this spring.
The Redoute’s Choice colt out of Lady Jakeo is a half brother to Group One winning sprinter Mrs Onassis but Waterhouse has him pegged as a middle-distance prospect following his win at Rosehill on Saturday.
Aussies Love Sport - Photo by Steve Hart
Sent out at $14 with Tommy Berry aboard in the Dooleys Handicap (1400m), Aussies Love Sport tracked the leader Sugar Rush ($10) before asserting his authority in the straight.
He went on to beat Happy Clapper ($4.20), who had been the subject of some big bets earlier in the week at $8.50, by 2-1/4 lengths with Kirov ($6.50) another 1-3/4 lengths third.
Nash Rawiller showed obvious concern about the favourite Champagne Cath ($2.50) throughout the race and she was found to have soreness behind after finishing sixth.
But all honours were with the winner who will now be put on a path towards the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) on October 12.
“I don’t think he’s nippy enough for the Golden Rose,” Waterhouse said.
“Maybe the Spring Champion Stakes will be more suitable.”
Last year’s Spring Champion Stakes third placegetter Honorius began his campaign in fine style with victory in the ClubsNSW Spring Preview (1400m).
Backed from $8.50 to $4.80, Honorius beat Soledad by a dominant 3-1/2 lengths.
Trainer David Payne said that although Honorius was placed in the Queensland Derby (2400m), he would be kept to shorter distances.
“He will run in the Premier’s Cup in two weeks then the Kingston Town Stakes over 2000 metres,” Payne said.
“I think that distance sees him out. He’s not a stayer.”
