Lloyd's confidence high for Verona Rose in Theo Marks Stakes bid
Jockey Zac Lloyd is slated to partner the Group-winning mare Verona Rose for his debut ride in the Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill, a decision spurred by her impressive showing in a recent barrier trial.
Lloyd was on board when the five-year-old contested a 742-metre trial. Despite predictions that she would be outpaced, the mare finished strongly, missing victory by just a length.
This performance has instilled increased confidence in trainer Gary Portelli for Verona Rose's Saturday comeback in the 1300-metre race, further bolstered by Lloyd's keenness to ride her.
"Zac came back and said, 'mate, she's a good horse. I'm sticking with her'," Portelli stated. "He knocked back a couple of nice offers, apparently.
"On the back of that trial the other day, I think she has come back better. I did not envisage she would be trialling that well against those sprinting types. She was really strong right through the line."
Verona Rose demonstrated her class by winning the Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) in 2025 at her third start and proved competitive in Group races last spring. She elevated her performance in the autumn, clinching the Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) and finishing narrowly behind the placegetters in the Coolmore Classic (1500m). Her subsequent run in the Emancipation Stakes (1500m) was disappointing, but a valid reason was later identified.
"She pulled up really sore in her foot and had a big abscess burst out of it," Portelli revealed. "It took forever to heal, so we missed out on the Brisbane winter carnival out of that, and she had a decent spell."
While Portelli had considered launching her campaign in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) on the same day's card, he felt the slightly longer trip of the Theo Marks Stakes would offer a more suitable race pace.
Verona Rose has a solid first-up record with two wins and a placing from four attempts, and the trainer anticipates another spirited effort.
Fellow stable runner and the victor of the 2024 Theo Marks Stakes, Encap, also commences his campaign in this race and is capable of a sharp return. He has since secured placings in the Ingham and Doncaster Mile, and although wins are infrequent, he consistently performs well at the track and distance.
"He's won the race previously, two years ago, and he is probably going better physically than what he was then, so I'm looking forward to seeing him return as well," Portelli commented. "He's an underrated little horse. He's not a punters' pal, but he has certainly been fun for the owners."
Encap, with Rachel King in the saddle, will start from gate six in the field of 14, while Verona Rose is drawn in barrier nine.
Betting markets for the race are expected to be competitive, so check out online bookmakers for the latest odds.
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