Question over Omei Sword as Astern firms for Golden Rose
PUNTERS should take caution when betting on Omei Sword to win the Group 1 Golden Rose on September 10.
Major bookmakers have already eased the one-time favourite and listed the three-year-old as “unlikely” after trainer Chris Waller suggested it could target the Tea Rose Stakes instead.
“I’ve got a slight leaning towards waiting for the Tea Rose,” Waller said. “Keeping her against her own sex.”
Last start winner Omei Sword is preparing for the Group 1 Flight Stakes at Randwick on October 1 and Waller believes it’s the easier target for the daughter of High Chaparral.
“I’m not taking any race for granted,” Waller said. “But the Flight Stakes is likely to be a length inferior to the Golden Rose in terms of depth, of having twice the horse population running in the Golden Rose.”
Astern is now the clear $3.20 favourite at Sportsbet.com.au after its win in the Run To The Rose at Rosehill last month and punters continue to come for the John O’Shea-trained colt which jockey James McDonald labelled as his best spring racing prospect.
Omei Sword is also nominated for the Caulfield Guineas and Thousand Guineas on October 8, but all-in markets are non-refundable so keep an eye on the betting markets for a positive indication.
2016 Golden Rose betting market
For a full market head to Sportsbet.com.au*
Astern – $3.20
Divine Prophet – $4.20 at CrownBet
Omei Sword (unlikely) – $5
Derryn – $9
Impending – $9
El Divino – $13
Yankee Rose – $13
Thronum – $21
Good Standing – $26
Mediterranean – $26
Nikitas – $51
Trenchant – $101
Wine Bush – $101
The Reverend Demon – $101
Thaad – $101
Terminally Pretty – $101
Taj Mahal – $101
Swiss Design – $101
Swear – $101
Storm Force – $101