Romantic Choice chases more Black Type in 2025 Durbridge Stakes

Warrnambool trainer Tom Dabernig is eyeing a longer-term goal for his talented mare Romantic Choice, with her upcoming trip to Morphettville serving as a potential stepping stone towards the Adelaide Carnival later in the autumn.

Romantic Choice, who secured her first ‘Black Type’ victory in the Listed Black Pearl Stakes (1200m) at Geelong on January 4, will contest the Listed Durbridge Stakes (1100m) in Adelaide this Saturday.

Eyeing Big Autumn Targets

Dabernig has lofty ambitions for the in-form mare, with races like the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) on April 26 and the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in May being possible targets.

“She got the ‘Black Type,’ which was a big thing for the horse and owner John Cordina, and this is another good ‘Black Type’ option where she’s drawn well,” Dabernig said.

“The 1100 metres is ideal. She won the Listed race at 1200 metres, but it’s now three weeks between runs, and her 1000 and 1100-metre form is pretty good too, so I think that all looks good.

“Hopefully she can hold the form that she’s been in, and if she does, then it looks a suitable option, and she looks a top-three chance.”

Stellar Recent Form

Romantic Choice has been in exceptional form this campaign, claiming consecutive wins at Caulfield before finishing a close fifth behind stablemate Ashford Street in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1100m) on Boxing Day. Less than two weeks later, she returned to score in the Black Pearl at Geelong.

Dabernig has seen no indication that the mare has reached the end of her preparation, which began back in November at Moonee Valley.

Confident About the Adelaide Trip

The trip to Adelaide presents no concerns for Dabernig, who is optimistic about Romantic Choice’s chances this weekend.

“The Caulfield run in the Christmas Stakes and then onto Geelong was a quickish sort of back-up, and both were hot days which didn’t seem to bother her,” Dabernig said.

“She’s just one of those amazing in-form mares where she seems to be going well, so hopefully the trip to Adelaide all goes well.

“I thought if she goes to Adelaide and runs well, then it could be a little dress rehearsal for something a bit later in the carnival—something like the Sangster or the Proud Miss.”

With three wins already under her belt this preparation, Romantic Choice is primed to deliver another strong performance on Saturday as she looks to build towards even greater achievements later in the season.