Golden Rose awaits Tango Rock
THE Gerald Ryan-trained Tango Rock could be heading towards the Group 1 Golden Rose on September 10 if it runs well in the Happy 70th Birthday Martin King Handicap at Canterbury on Saturday.
Winning on debut at Canterbury last month, the two-year-old looks a strong chance this Saturday despite bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au pricing it as a $9 chance.
Ryan commented on how strong the winter two-year-old racing has been and this will be a good test for Tango Rock moving forward.
“I don’t think there is any difference, especially when you consider the quality of two-year-olds we’ve seen towards the back end of this season,” Ryan said.
“It’s a very good form race on Saturday so we’ll have a fair idea of where he sits. It will be a good test for all of them.”
Tango Rain has been nicely prepared by winning a recent 1050m trial at Randwick. The Listed Rosebud and Group 3 San Domenico Stakes are possible targets, but the big prize is the Golden Rose where it’s currently a $51 chance at Sportsbet.
“I’ve just poked around with him. I thought he trialled well at Randwick. I didn’t want to back off him too much because he’s a pretty gross horse,” Ryan said.
“He’s fit and well and has won on a soft but what he’s like on a heavy track, I wouldn’t have a clue.
“He might end up in the Rosebud, and possibly Golden Rose if he measures up.”
Canterbury Race 1 market:
1. Thronum – $3 at Crownbet.com.au
2. Tango Rain – $9
3. Decorated Soldier – $11
4. Hair Trigger – $5
5. Saxophone – scratched
6. Walk Right In – $17
7. Grexit – $34
8. Seventhchic – $6.50
9. Cudabeen – $6
10. Vienna Waltz – $34
11. Cosmic Powers – scratched
12. Foxy Housewife – $26
13. Maybe Sailing – $101
14. Tickling – $18