Revengeance's campaign recalibrated after illness forces change

The Caulfield Guineas this weekend was the intended target for Revengeance, but an unexpected illness has forced a change of plans. The colt will now compete in a Listed race at Rosehill as the spring path is rerouted.

Tulloch Lodge trainers had initially set their sights on the Golden Rose (1400m) and the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) for Revengeance. However, these ambitions were curtailed by a timely bout of sickness, necessitating a strategic re-evaluation.

Consequently, the colt is now set to race in Saturday's Tapp-Craig (1400m) at Rosehill, with the Callander-Presnell (1600m) later this month identified as his new major goal.

"He got a temperature prior to (Golden Rose) acceptances, which meant we had to skip that race, unfortunately," co-trainer Adrian Bott explained. "It all resolved very quickly, but the timing wasn't right for what was going to be a hard 1400 metres in the Golden Rose."

"We've had to pivot plans, and this looked to be a nice race. Given the length of time between runs, this will help build him towards the Callander-Presnell, which will be his main grand final now."

Revengeance's preparation began with an unplaced run in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) after a significant layoff. He then showed improvement when finishing sixth in the Run To The Rose (1200m), trailing the eventual Golden Rose winner Warwoven by 2-1/2 lengths.

Bott derived considerable encouragement from this performance and is optimistic that the colt can still salvage his preparation.

Barn mate Plagiarism is also entered for the Tapp-Craig, having finished midfield in the Golden Rose and is expected to appreciate the drop in class.

"He was the best of the on-pace runners there," Bott commented. "He was just in a position where he did a lot of work then absorbed a lot of pressure mid-race. The fact he stuck on as well as he did was a very good effort."

Lightly raced three-year-olds Blessed Eagle and Our Emperor will compete in the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m). Blessed Eagle qualified for this event with two victories from his initial three outings in midweek grade.

"He's really starting to put it all together and learn what's it's all about," Bott said of Blessed Eagle. "That last start was very good. From the minute he left the gates, he never looked like getting beaten. He's stepping up in grade now, and there's going to be more pressure there, but he's a damn nice horse."

Bott indicated that Our Emperor has benefited significantly in fitness since his disappointing debut in the Heritage Stakes (1100m), where he was chasing the solid pace set by the impressive filly and eventual winner, Blue Door.

"I'd be forgiving of that. I want to give him that opportunity again because I've always felt he's a nice horse," Bott stated. "On debut, he really impressed us. Hopefully we can see him bounce back on Saturday."

Punters can explore the racing betting markets for the Tapp-Craig at various online bookmakers.