Unbeaten colt Castillo King will be given the opportunity to emerge as a serious spring contender when he tackles Saturday’s Listed The Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill.
Jockey Tommy Berry has plenty of faith in the Michael Freedman-trained three-year-old but believes the Rosehill 1100-metre course and a wide barrier present significant challenges.
“You know what it’s like with the 1100m at Rosehill, you need to draw well and be closer to the speed than be further back,” Berry told Racing NSW.
The son of Vinery Stud stallion Farnan created a big impression on debut when powering to a 3-1/4 length victory over 1100 metres at Warwick Farm.
Berry expects Castillo King to settle further back on Saturday and believes the colt will ultimately be better suited as he progresses to longer distances.
“He’ll be better when he gets to 1200m and maybe 1400m, he has some lofty ambitions ahead of him if he steps up,” he said.
Castillo King is a $4.60 chance with Australian betting sites for The Rosebud as he attempts to maintain his unbeaten record and put his hand up for bigger spring targets.
Berry said the stable had always held a high opinion of the colt despite several setbacks delaying his race debut until last month.
“We really liked him early on but he had a couple of setbacks and needed time and Michael gave him that. He has the opportunity to put his hand up and hopefully he does,” he said.
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