Waller's five contenders set for Golden Rose

Five runners are being prepared by Chris Waller for the lucrative $1 million Golden Rose Stakes, and while St Gotthard is considered his leading chance according to early markets, the renowned trainer believes there's very little separating his squad of five.

St Gotthard, a full brother to the exciting sprinter Switzerland, faced his first defeat when he finished a close second to Warwoven in the Run To The Rose (1200m) last time out. This race is typically the primary lead-up event for the upcoming Saturday feature.

He will be joined in the 1400m Golden Rose by his stable companions Tron Bolt, Central Europe, Stormy Marco, and Campione D'Italia. Waller indicated that all have genuine claims, regardless of the barrier draw that eventuates.

"It's such a fair track, Rosehill, and over the 1400, there's four hundred metres to the first bend," Waller stated. "We've had some good success from bad draws. Going back to Zoustar, I think he drew the outside and (jockey) Jimmy Cassidy was even more confident. He said, 'nothing will get in his way'. It's not something you can worry about."

"I could make a case for all of them, to tell you the truth," he elaborated.

Guest House, who triumphed in the San Domenico Stakes, is the $2.80 pre-post favourite to achieve the rare feat of winning both the Golden Slipper and the Golden Rose, a double previously accomplished only by Forensics in 2007-08.

St Gotthard is currently second in the betting odds at $4.50, followed by Warwoven at $6 and Tron Bolt at $7.

Champagne Stakes winner Fireball will not be competing, as Waller confirmed the colt has been spelled after failing to fully recover from a virus.

A virus also caused the scratching of Sing Your Song on race morning from the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, effectively ending her chances of contesting the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) next month.

However, Waller is still hopeful of achieving some success this spring with Sing Your Song, planning to reroute her to the Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) on Everest day before a potential trip to Melbourne.

"That was a bit tough to take (on Saturday) morning, but that's what happens, isn't it?" Waller commented.

Waller is still expected to have a strong contender in the Flight Stakes (1600m) through Striking Alibi, a former Perth filly who experienced a luckless second place behind Bangkok Hottie in the Tea Rose.