Rondinella to take next step on Sydney Cup path
Trainer John O’Shea will use a tried and tested formula as he plots a Sydney Cup path for former New Zealand-trained mare Rondinella.
The Randwick trainer claimed the 2010 Group One staying feature with Jessicabeel, who placed in the Aspiration Quality and Epona Stakes before claiming the Chairman’s Stakes-Sydney Cup double.
He plans to use the same race template for Rondinella, who will step up preparations in Saturday’s renewal of the Aspiration Quality (1600m) at Randwick.
Originally prepared by Roger James, best known as the trainer of multiple Group One winner Silent Achiever, Rondinella arrived at O’Shea’s Sydney stables last year.
She showed glimpses of her best form in the spring, including a promising second to Knights Order in the City Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) at Randwick.
O’Shea wasn’t disappointed with her first up effort over 1400 metres behind Nimalee when she settled last and finished there.
“She got back and the race was dominated from the front on a day where it was difficult to make up ground,” O’Shea said.
“It was one of those races that never changed complexion throughout.
“She is open to significant improvement in this race.”
Rondinella will be joined in the Aspiration Quality by stablemate Rocha Clock, who resumed with a solid fourth to Poetic Charmer at Randwick last month and has an excellent second-up strikerate.
He is treading more cautiously with Tommy Gold, who will tackle Saturday’s Listed Fireball Stakes (1100m) after finishing unplaced at his first two runs from a spell and O’Shea admits he needs to lift against the likes of the resuming Wild Ruler and Golden Slipper placegetter Mamaragan.
“He disappointed us (last start) to be honest. We’re hoping he makes sharp improvement in what is a very strong race on Saturday,” O’Shea said.