Golden Rose prospect Castelvecchio seems certain to figure in a change of first-up plans ahead of the $1 million race for three-year-olds.
One of Australia’s best-performed two-year-olds last season, Castelvechhio is entered for two races at Rosehill on Saturday.
Trainer Richard Litt had nominated the Run To The Rose, a traditional Group Two lead-up over 1200m to the 2019 Golden Rose, for Castelvecchio’s return.
But Litt concedes he is favouring the Listed Dulcify Quality over 1500m as the race that will be more advantageous to Castelvecchio’s chances in the Golden Rose over 1400m at Rosehill on September 28.
“We’ve had a look at both races and we’re probably leaning towards the Dulcify at the moment,” Litt told Sky Sports Radio.
“He’s obviously a nice middle-distance horse and I just think it will suit him a bit better than the Run To The Rose.”
Castelvecchio finished the 2018-19 racing season as one of Australia’s highest rated juveniles with earnings of more than $1.6 million.
His barnstorming victory in the Inglis Millennium resulted in a $1.2 million windfall.
But on the scale of importance, it didn’t compare to his win in the Group One Champagne Stakes in record time for a two-year-old over the Randwick mile.
Castelvecchio is an $18 chance for the Golden Rose but occupies the third line of betting at $11 for the $2 million Caulfield Guineas over 1600m on October 12.
Litt said Castelvecchio had made the improvement he wanted following his most recent barrier trial when midfield to stablemate Joe’s Joy in a 1200m heat at Warwick Farm last week.
“He’s come on really well from the trial, he’s jumping out of his skin … he had a nice gallop this morning, he’s very fit and he’s ready to rock ‘n ‘roll,” Litt said.
Castelvecchio is one of 15 entries for the Dulcify and is the topweight with 58kg.
In Castelvecchio’s expected absence from the Run To The Rose, Prince Fawaz will carry the No.1 saddlecloth with the highest weight penalty for winning the Group One JJ Atkins Plate.
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au