Raging Force tipped to bounce back in the 2025 Coolmore Stud Stakes

Trainer Peter Snowden insists Raging Force remains a serious contender for the $2 million Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, even if his path to the Flemington feature won’t follow tradition.

Snowden is strongly leaning toward starting the gelding against older opposition in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday week, bypassing the more conventional three-year-old route.

The Danehill Stakes, run at Flemington this weekend, has been ruled out, with Snowden even contemplating a barrier trial before returning to the races after the gelding’s below-par Run To The Rose performance.

That day, the son of Cosmic Force overdid it in the lead and weakened to finish seventh, more than four lengths from Tempted. Snowden said the gelding has freshened up and is back on track.

“He had a gut-buster,” Snowden said of the Run To The Rose.

“He went way too hard the other day. I gave him an easy week and he is nice and bright again now.

“The trial is nothing more than just a jump out and relax him.”

The Schillaci Stakes (1100m) is a weight-for-age sprint, and could also see the return of Giga Kick, making it a stern test if Snowden commits to the race.

Should he opt to remain in Sydney, the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill is run the same day, providing an alternate pathway.

Raging Force had surged in Coolmore Stud Stakes markets after a winning streak of four, but after the Rosehill setback, he is now a $15 chance. The Danehill Stakes, which has drawn Rosberg, Tentyris and Legacy Bound among 14 entries, will provide further pointers to the Group 1.

If you’re planning a punt on the Coolmore Stud Stakes, it’s worth comparing Australia’s best betting sites and most reliable online bookmakers for the best odds.