Co-trainer Adrian Bott admits Siege of Quebec faces another significant test at Rosehill in the lead-up to the focal point of his preparation.
The colt makes another step up on Saturday when he takes on several of his highly rated potential Golden Rose rivals in the Group Two Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill.
Bott, who trains with the legendary Gai Waterhouse, was looking forward to Siege of Quebec competing in a Group race for the first time after his second to Menari in last month’s Listed Rosebud Quality (1100m).
Menari, the $6 joint TAB favourite with Pariah for the Group One Golden Rose (1400m) on September 23, again looms as a threat in what shapes as an ultra-competitive race.
Siege of Quebec and Godolphin’s Kementari are the relative novices among the 13 nominations with three and two career starts respectively.
Bott was encouraged by Siege Of Quebec’s effort in the Rosebud, saying coming back from his previous win over 1400 metres was detrimental.
“Dropping back to the 1100 metres meant he was a little bit out-sprinted but it was a courageous performance,” Bott said.
Siege Of Quebec worked impressively on Tuesday, just what Bott wanted to see leading into the biggest test for the three-year-old after he won his first two races with relative ease.
“His work was very, very sharp. That’s what we needed to see going into a competitive race. There’s some quality colts in there,” Bott said.
Of the 13 entries, Golden Slipper minor pacegetter Tulip is the lone filly.
Siege Of Quebec was listed as a $15 chance for the Golden Rose on Tuesday alongside Addictive Nature, Catchy, Formality and Invader.
Waterhouse and Bott have also set promising colt Gold Standard for the Golden Rose, a process that continues in the Group Two Stan Fox Stakes (1500m).
Bott took plenty of positives from Gold Standard’s last-start black-type debut in the Group Three Up And Coming Stakes, where he was only beaten a long head by Dracarys.
“We saw significant improvement from him from midweek to stakes company,” Bott said.
“He should be suited by stepping out further in trip. He’s got the tactical speed to put himself there and put himself in the race.”
