Likely leader Siege Of Quebec has been withdrawn from the Run To The Rose with favourite Menari now likely to take up a more forward position.
The Gerald Ryan-trained Menari has drawn the outside gate in Saturday’s field which was reduced to nine on race eve when Siege Of Quebec joined Qiji Phoenix as a non-starter.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Siege Of Quebec suffered his first defeat in three starts when overhauled by Menari in the Listed Rosebud (1100m).
Menari tightened from $2.40 to $2.25 with Pariah steady at $3.20.
Ryan will discuss tactics for Saturday’s Group Two 1200m-race with jockey Josh Parr.
“It means Menari will probably be a bit more forward,” Ryan said.
Menari is the equal $6 favourite for the Group One Golden Rose on September 23 with Pariah with the Ryan-trained Trapeze Artist at $26.
Third in the Group One ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes, Trapeze Artist runs in Saturday’s Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) after winning a barrier trial on Monday.
“I thought Trapeze Artist needed the trial stepping up to 1500 metres second-up,” Ryan said.
“All going well he will also head to the Golden Rose.”
Ryan has lost his other Golden Rose hopeful, Condor Heroes, for the spring with the colt needing surgery on his off foreleg after injuring it earlier this week.
Ryan is hoping Magic Alibi can defy her $34 quote in the Group Three Sheraco Stakes for fillies and mares.
“She ran third in it last year so hopefully she can at least do the same,” he said.
