Unbeaten Rose shows appetite for success ahead of Vinery Stud Stakes

A change in the feeding routine of Verona Rose is proving to be a game-changer as she takes the next crucial step towards the ATC Australian Oaks.

The Castelvecchio filly was bought with classic aspirations in mind, and after a debut victory at Kembla Grange in November, trainer Gary Portelli opted to spell her with the blue riband event as her long-term target.

That ambition edged closer when she resumed with a first-up win at Wyong, but soon after, her condition started to decline.

“She was really tucked up and she looked like she was ready for the Oaks then,” Portelli said.

“I had to back off and change my feeding program. I got her more oats and fed the hell out of her and she bulked up really nicely.”

With that adjustment, Portelli slightly altered her path, sending Verona Rose to the Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) following a month between runs. Despite a wide draw, she powered home to score an impressive win.

Now unbeaten, Verona Rose faces her biggest challenge yet in Saturday’s Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill, where she will take on top-class filly and reigning VRC Oaks champion, Treasurethe Moment.

“This is obviously a massive hurdle this time,” Portelli said.

“Not only is the favourite going to be hard to beat, there are some pretty nice horses there from (Chris) Waller’s camp and that horse of Glen Thompson’s (VOBIS Platinum Guineas winner Benagil).

“This is a good test for her. It’s the strongest race she has been in but when you’re winning you can’t hide from them, you’ve got to have a go.”

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who has guided Verona Rose to victory in her last two outings, retains the ride on Saturday from barrier six.

Meanwhile, the Matt Laurie-trained Treasurethe Moment is the odds-on favourite and makes her Sydney debut off a stellar six-race winning streak, her latest triumph coming in the Kewney Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.