Count De Rupee ready to rebound at Rosehill

After pulling up sore from a stakes assignment in Brisbane, Count De Rupee is back to full health.

Promising three-year-old Count De Rupee has bounced back from a recent trip to Queensland where he was among a number of horses brought undone by the firm Eagle Farm surface.

A Rosehill winner on a soft track two starts ago, Count De Rupee struggled to handle the unforgiving ground when unlaced behind Apache Chase in a leader-dominated renewal of the Fred Best Classic last month.

While he emerged the worse for wear, a little bit of TLC has ensured he is back on song.

“The adage we had going to Queensland was if they handle the Eagle Farm track, they go good, and if they don’t, they don’t,” co-trainer Robert Price said.

“He bruised through the feet and we’ve just been bathing him but he’s back on top of his game.

“His work on Tuesday was good and we were pretty delighted with his work (Thursday) morning.”

A winner of four of his 10 starts, Count De Rupee will line up in the Ranvet Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

He will be ridden by apprentice Brock Ryan and Price plans to use his awkward draw in 10 to advantage.

“The barrier is a bit tricky, but it gives us the opportunity to ride him that tad quieter,” Price said.

“We’re taking advantage of this time of year. He is still a BOBS horse until August so the money is there and he’s showing no sign of wear.”

Former Victorian Taksu will also contest the race in what will be his first start for new trainer Joe Pride.

A Sandown winner in May, Taksu has impressed Pride, who is expecting a bold performance.

“He has only been here three weeks but I like him. I think he’s got something,” Pride said.

“His form is pretty good, the wet track is no problem for him, he’s got some tactical speed and he has settled in well.”

Taksu is a $6.50 chance while Count De Rupee is $7.50 with the Chris Waller-trained Tycoonist a solid $2.90 favourite.