Miss Roumbini added another chapter to what has been a frustrating preparation earlier this month, but Mick Price is optimistic connections can land an overdue reward this Saturday.
The daughter of Zoustar will chase her first win as a five-year-old in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick.
It will be a deferred Sydney debut for Miss Roumbini, who was to have run in the $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) but was scratched in the days leading up to the event for which she was favourite.
But Price, who trains in partnership with Michael Kent Jr, has been delighted with the way she has bounced back.
“She got a travel bug on the way to Sydney, but her blood picture is good now and her gallop Saturday morning was super duper,” Price said.
“She’s nice and bright. I was there during the week (last week) and she looks fantastic and I think she’ll be hard to beat.”
Miss Roumbini has drawn barrier seven in 12-horse The Invitation, but will come into six if emergency Modella does not gain a start and Adam Hyeronimus will take the ride.
While The Invitation will be Miss Roumbini’s first start in Sydney, she has experience racing right-handed and in January this year won the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares over 1300m.
She has two Caulfield second placings from as many starts this time. After being nabbed late by Group 1 winner Magic Time first-up in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m), she beat home all bar Sepals in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) despite a tardy getaway.
“The time between runs I don’t think will worry her,” Price said.
“She’s that type of filly, she’s got to be looking for something to do. I think that’s fine and 1400 will be good for her. I’m looking forward to it.”
Miss Roumbini is battling it out for favouritism in The Invitation with Group 1 winner Manaal, with last-start Group 3 The Nivison winner Gangsta Granny and Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica among the other leading hopes.
