The Ramornie Handicap is back on the agenda for Brisbane sprinter Vintage Moss after his return to form at the Gold Coast.
Vintage Moss ($5) dispelled the notion he needed to lead to win when he came from off the pace to beat Mr Favulous ($9) by a length in the Jupiters Open (1200m) on Monday.
The Mossman gelding went into the Gold Coast race as the winner of eight races but had finished midfield in two runs back from a spell.
Trainer John Fitzgerald decided to take on easier company at the Gold Coast which was a metropolitan class meeting.
Fitzgerald said Vintage Moss had appreciated a return to a dry track, a good barrier and weight relief with an apprentice’s claim.
“He hasn’t been used to that combination this campaign,” Fitzgerald said.
“He is a pretty smart horse and we think he can win better races. But we will have to play it by ear.”
“I have nominated him for the Eye Liner Stakes (at Ipswich on Saturday) but the way I am inclined to go is the Ramornie.”
The $150,000 Listed Ramornie (1200m) at Grafton is on July 9 with Fitzgerald yet to decide on a lead-up race.
Trainer Troy Hall pulled the right rein when he scratched two-year-old filly Rosella from a Listed race at Eagle Farm on Saturday to run at the Gold Coast two days later.
Rosella ($1.75) made it two wins from three starts when she took out the Atrium Bar (1200m).
“She had the outside barrier at Eagle Farm and drew in close today. It was the deciding factor,” Hall said.
The Caloundra-based trainer believes Rosella could be a top class three-year-old next season.
Larry Cassidy picked up a winning ride on Star Sammy ($3) in the Bruce Lynton Hcp (1200m).
Brad Stewart was declared for Star Sammy but was a late scratching from the meeting.
Trainer Lawrie Mayfield Smith is hoping Star Sammy, who scored in the last bound, might measure up to one of the late season open sprints.
