Music Time set for return, Golden Rose the target

Canberra-based trainer Gratz Vella has experienced his most significant career thrill thanks to the three-year-old gelding Music Time.

During his debut preparation, the All Too Hard colt secured the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes (1200m), the premier two-year-old event in Canberra, and followed that performance with a commendable third in the country's leading juvenile race, the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m).

Vella now has his sights firmly set on Sydney's top-tier three-year-old contests, with Music Time scheduled to commence his campaign in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Music Time had a beneficial trial run, finishing second over 1040m on August 14th, and Vella is confident the gelding is sufficiently prepared for Saturday's race.

"I said to Tommy Berry before his trial 'he hasn't had too much, a couple of nice gallops and one jump out, just go easy with him today and it's only going to benefit him," Vella commented.

"And he come back in and said 'Gratz, this horse is a lot more forward that what you think he is.'"

"He's come on very well from his two-year-old season, especially since that barrier trial. He had a good gallop Tuesday morning with one of my senior horses and matched strides with him, the jockey came in and said how good he was."

Initially considering a tilt at The Kosciuszko (1200m), a race designated for country-trained horses, an inquiry to the Racing New South Wales Handicapper has prompted Vella to aim higher, setting Music Time on a trajectory for the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m).

"I rang up the handicapper and I asked him about the Kosciuszko and for a three-year-old, he'd be carrying 60 kilos," Vella revealed.

"So I think that's out of our picture. But I think if he goes well this weekend, by all means, we'll just keep heading for the three-year-old races."

"Who's to say he can't make it in a Golden Rose, because the horse's he's racing this weekend were mainly in the Golden Slipper and he didn't finish too far away from the winner."

Music Time, who will be guided by Kerrin Mcevoy, is a $15 outsider for Saturday's San Domenico Stakes, with the Golden Slipper winner Guest House holding favouritism at $2.80.

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