Robusto gets the bob in 2025 Winter Challenge at Rosehill

Robusto made a successful return to black-type company at Rosehill on Saturday, prevailing in a gripping finish to the Listed Winter Challenge and marking a potential spring campaign launch pad for trainer Bjorn Baker.

Carrying a race-record 60kg, the gelding outlasted Accredited in a two-horse battle up the straight to win by a nose. The win was particularly satisfying for Baker, who had touted the horse strongly leading into the race.

“He only just got there, but I’m relieved. I was confident and happy to tip him around,” Baker said. “That effort today means we can look ahead to races like the Missile Stakes and even the Winx Stakes if all goes well.”

The Missile Stakes over 1200 metres and the 1400-metre Group 1 Winx Stakes are shaping as early spring targets, with a number of top-class horses, including Via Sistina and Fangirl, expected to return for the latter.

Robusto continues to deliver returns for Darby Racing, and Baker revealed he will soon welcome two more of their purchases, including the well-related Snack Bar, secured at a recent dispersal sale.

Joe Pride praised Accredited’s runner-up effort and noted he would likely target another 1500m race at Rosehill in the coming weeks. “He’s a different horse on top of the ground,” Pride said.

In other action, Romeo’s Choice took out the Schweppes Sprint (1100m) for Richard Litt and Tom Sherry, surviving a strong late charge from Storm The Ramparts and Corniche.

Litt said he would assess whether the Missile Stakes or a Queensland Listed race would be better suited, noting the horse enjoys strong tempos and firm ground.

Romeo’s Choice was one of three winners for Sherry, who also booted home Yoshinobu and King Of Roseau.

Both Robusto and Romeo’s Choice attracted attention from betting sites as spring contenders continue to emerge from winter form lines.