The Golden Rose is shaping as the preferred lead-up race for Thousand Guineas hopeful Leotie.
Trainer Henry Dwyer has nominated the filly for four races across two states on Saturday including the Run To The Rose at Rosehill, but he is likely to choose the 1400m benchmark race for fillies at Caulfield.
Dwyer said Leotie’s first trip to Sydney could be for the Group One Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 10.
He said that lead-up would give her two weeks between each run as she builds towards the Group One Thousand Guineas (1600m).
“I think a trip to Sydney fits in better with the program for the Thousand Guineas,” Dwyer said.
“She’s a robust sort of filly that will be able to handle the trip.”
Leotie was narrowly defeated in the Group Three Quezette Stakes (1100m) on August 13 after settling near the tail of the field.
The filly’s closing sectional times impressed Dwyer, who said riding her quietly helped her settle.
“We were surprised to see her relax so well,” Dwyer said.
“She definitely doesn’t need to be that far back.
“But in terms of educating her to get further, which is the ultimate goal, it’s probably more beneficial for her to do that.”
Chris Parnham will retain the ride for Leotie’s Melbourne starts.
Dwyer said if Leotie came through the Thousand Guineas well he would consider a tilt at the VRC Oaks.
“She doesn’t look much like a stayer, she’s built like a sprinter,” Dwyer said.
But her breeding – by Darci Brahma out of a High Chaparral mare – would indicate an Oaks trip would not be beyond her reach, he said.
