Central Europe set for Rosebud start as Waller stables face dilemmas

Chris Waller's pursuit of an early triumph in Sydney's juvenile features might depend on the Frankel colt Central Europe, as two of his other runners in The Rosebud are facing potential withdrawals.

Hidrix, carrying the topweight, is a strong candidate to be reserved for the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) in a fortnight, particularly after drawing barrier 17. Meanwhile, the Western Australian filly Striking Alibi may be aimed at the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) next week, following her draw of gate 12.

"We were probably only going to run (Hidrix) if he drew perfectly, just because of the weight," stated Waller's assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth.

"Striking Alibi has been really sharp in all of her work since coming to us. She has been pretty pushbutton in terms of she has settled in well and done everything right.

"Just the draw might mean she could wait and go against the fillies next week instead."

In contrast, there are no such concerns regarding the commencement of Central Europe's three-year-old season, having secured barrier seven.

The colt has displayed above-average ability in his two starts to date, both contested at Group level. This included a narrow defeat to stablemate Campione D'Italia, a subsequent winner of the ATC Sires' Produce Stakes, in the Skyline Stakes (1200m) in February.

While the stable anticipates he will perform better over longer distances than the 1100m of The Rosebud, they have been encouraged by the conviction of leading jockey James McDonald, who convinced them to target the Listed sprint rather than a supporting race on the program.

"We had him nominated in the 1300 as well but James was confident off his trials and trackwork that 1100 was fine. He's been sharper than he was last time in, so that's a positive," Duckworth mentioned.

"He's a beautiful colt, incredibly well bred. We'll learn a bit more on Saturday."

Provided he delivers a strong performance in his initial outings, Central Europe is being considered for the Golden Rose, sharing the fourth line of betting for the Group 1 event at $11.

Four horses have already been scratched from The Rosebud: Tornado Valley, Outspan, Oh Yes She Did, and Scintillation. All are expected to compete in stakes races at Caulfield.

Central Europe is firmly on a Golden Rose trajectory if he performs well in The Rosebud, with betting markets listing him at $11. Explore the latest racing betting markets at betting markets for the race.