Romeo's Choice set for 1400m test at Rosehill

Remarkably consistent this winter, Romeo's Choice has prompted trainer Richard Litt to extend the gelding's campaign, capitalising on his current fitness and strong form.

A dual acceptor for Saturday's Rosehill meeting, the gelding has been scratched from the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m) to take his place in the Racing And Sports Handicap (1400m). This is despite Romeo's Choice having previously competed over this distance five times without success.

Nevertheless, the seven-year-old has placed twice at the 1400m mark, most notably finishing second to the stakes-placed mare Firestorm. Trainer Litt believes it's an appropriate time to revisit this distance.

"We haven't had a lot of luck at the 1400, but we want to give it a go," Litt explained.

"He's going wonderful, and he's a lovely horse."

"It is tempting, and it opens up a lot more races going forward next 'prep' if we know he can run a strong 14."

Two starts back, Romeo's Choice secured a Rosehill victory over 1300m. However, on August 1, he experienced a troubled run in the straight when finishing fifth to Carbonados over a similar journey.

This weekend's assignment sees him face a competitive field, headlined by Group 1 winner Attica and Epsom Handicap second-placegetter Fully Lit. Both of these runners are resuming and are generally more effective over greater distances.

Romeo's Choice will possess the advantage of recent racing experience. Should he navigate any challenges from his outside gate 12, Litt anticipates a typically honest effort from the horse.

"He was solid last time. He was in a tricky spot and didn't get a great crack at them, so I just hope there's good speed, he can relax, and he'll finish off well," he said.

In the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m), Barber will carry the stable's hopes. Litt suggests that if the track doesn't deteriorate from its soft 5 rating on Friday, the winner of the 2025 Takeover Target Stakes (1100m) will be difficult to overcome.

"He's a big chance," Litt affirmed.

"He's got Tyler (Schiller) back on him. We've been trying to get Tyler back on him for a while. He won a Takeover Target on him."

"All sorts of stuff has happened to him this prep, but this is his race, and the competition probably isn't as strong as it has been."

"I'd be very disappointed if he wasn't fighting out the finish."

Veteran galloper Huon completes Litt's Rosehill contingent in the Proven Thoroughbreds Handicap (1100m). With apprentice jockey Siena Grima's two-kilogram claim, Litt believes he has a genuine chance.

"If he has an ounce of luck - he's got barrier one, a two kilo claim from Siena, he loves hugging that fence – he'll be right there," he said.

The outlook has been less positive for Litt's stakes-winning mare Caffe Florian, whose future remains uncertain following a "pretty significant injury" sustained in April during the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m), where she finished fifth.

She is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and Litt anticipates having a clearer prognosis by the year's end.

"We're very hopeful we'll get her back. We're going to give her every opportunity to race again but if she doesn't, she'll make a beautiful broodmare," he stated.

For those keen on betting on Romeo's Choice in the Racing And Sports Handicap, explore the available racing odds on online bookmakers.