Lightly raced three-year-old Green Spaces recorded his biggest win when third-up in the spring, and connections are hoping he can replicate that pattern in the Rosehill Guineas.
The Godolphin colt was a brilliant three-length victor in the Group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m) at Newcastle in November, prompting trainer Bjorn Baker to spell him with the Sydney autumn carnival in mind.
“He was exceptional third-up last time in the Spring Stakes at Newcastle, so we’re following that same path, although he’s up to 2000 (metres),” Baker said.
“Everything we see suggests that will suit him.
“Having said that, it’s going to be a tough race, no doubt about it. But he’s actually deceivingly fast, so if he can get a nice run in transit and relax, I’m sure he is going to be strong late.”
After racing keenly fresh when a fading sixth in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m), Green Spaces settled last in the Randwick Guineas (1600m) and caught the eye powering through the line late for sixth behind runaway winner Sheza Alibi.
By Street Boss out of Redoute’s Choice mare Outdoor, Green Spaces is bred on the same cross as Godolphin’s 2022 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) hero Anamoe, whose dam Anamato was also a daughter of Redoute’s Choice.
He is on the second line of betting for the ATC Australian Derby (2400m), and such is jockey Rachel King’s faith in the colt, she travelled back from a riding sojourn in Japan just to partner him in a February barrier trial.
Baker said it was hard for that confidence not to rub off.
“For sure it does. She believes in him. She always has,” he said.
“The way he has been galloping recently, it’s hard not to have a bit of confidence going into the Rosehill Guineas.”
Godolphin also has the Ciaron Maher-trained Observer in Saturday’s classic, the Victoria Derby winner unbeaten in two campaign starts in Melbourne, highlighted by his Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) success last month.
He makes his Sydney debut at Rosehill and is a $2.70 second pick behind Autumn Boy ($2.10 fav), with Green Spaces a $12 chance.
