Royal Patronage ripe for the Hill Stakes
Gai Waterhouse is excited about testing Royal Patronage out to 1900 metres in this Saturday’s Hill Stakes at Rosehill.
The import will back up in the $2 million Group 2 after finishing third in last weekend’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap.
That 1600m event was the third run of Royal Patronage’s debut Australian campaign, and second in a row at 1600m, and was the type of performance that excited Waterhouse for the campaign ahead.
“If they can run well in an Epsom, they can run 2000 metres with their eyes shut,” Waterhouse said.
“The Epsom’s a very testing mile, you’re running in the top class and you’re running at top speed.”
Royal Patronage, who made a winning Australian debut in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) in September, won up to 1710m in the United States and has placed out to the 2063m of the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York.
The longest race he has contested is the Epsom Derby (2414m), in which he finished second last, beaten almost 40 lengths.
Waterhouse was proud of the six-year-old’s effort to finish third, beaten less than two lengths by Ceolwulf, in the Epsom Handicap.
“He was caught wide then he probably got a bit closer than we probably wanted him too early, but what do you do?” she said.
“You either stay six wide or you go forward and get a position behind the leader.
“I thought it was a terrific run.”
Royal Patronage will be one of two Hill Stakes runners for Waterhouse and her co-trainer Adrian Bott, who also have New Endeavour engaged.
Joining Royal Patronage and New Endeavour at Rosehill will be Anode, who is favourite for the $500,000 Listed Tapp-Craig (1400m).
The son of I Am Invincible disappointed when a 7-1/4-length eighth in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at his most recent start but pushed The Everest fancy Traffic Warden in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) the start prior in a performance Waterhouse is hopeful he can reproduce.
“If you go back to his first-up run, it was outstanding, and I think he surprised everyone with how terribly competitive he was at top level,” Waterhouse said.
Tim Clark has been engaged to partner both Anode and Royal Patronage.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...