Rose capacity cops interference

Trainer Chris Waller, who will saddle up Zoustar, says big fields are only acceptable when it comes to handicaps, not set-weight races. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / DailyTelegraph

THE likelihood of the Golden Rose featuring a whopping 18 runners for the first time has not gone down well trainers and jockeys.

The opening Group 1 of the Sydney spring will be run this Saturday - and there's sure to be plenty of "carnage" should a full field accept for the $1 million race.

Australian Turf Club boss Darren Pearce said there had always been an 18-horse limit for the Golden Rose.

Pearce said there had never been enough runners in the past to run the Golden Rose at full capacity.

Trainers and jockeys, however, believe the number is simply too big.

The Golden Rose is regarded as a "stallion-making race", and any hard-luck stories will have multi-million dollar ramifications for colts.

"We want good racing, not carnage," Zoustar's jockey Jimmy Cassidy said.

"I think it's too many. We only had 14 in the Run To The Rose the other day, and look what happened then."

Drago's jockey Peter Robl said: "We all know what the Golden Slipper is like. Good luck getting around that first corner next Saturday."

Criterion's trainer David Payne told The Daily Telegraph: "It's ridiculous. If you draw barrier 18, you might as well stay at home."

Premier trainer Chris Waller, who will saddle up Zoustar, said big fields were only acceptable when it came to handicaps, not set-weight races.

"Going from eight runners to 12 runners if fine, but going from 14 to 18, you really notice the difference," Waller said.

Chief steward Ray Murrihy. Source: DailyTelegraph

"Handicaps, sure, they're open races, but set-weight races you should be restricting it to the very best. You need a lot of luck in any race, you need luck at barrier draw, but in running you don't want people with the best horse having bad luck."

The Run To The Rose - a traditional Golden Rose lead-up race - featured half a dozen hard-luck stories because of interference a fortnight ago.

Since the race was upgraded to Group 1 status in 2009, the field sizes have been 15, 15, six and 10 last year.

The fact all 18 spots are likely to be filled has sparked the debate.

One horse likely to benefit is Cluster, who is currently 18th in an unofficial order of entry. Cluster is a $9 chance with the TAB, and a colt rival trainers genuinely fear.

ATC track boss Lindsay Murphy said there would be no problems starting 18 horses from the 1400m with the rail in the true position.

Chief steward Ray Murrihy was satisfied there would be no safety concerns.

"With three-year-olds, they've all had a number of starts, and the 1400m isn't the hustle and bustle. I'm not anticipating any dramas," Murrihy said.

"I've got more trepidation about running 16 horses in the Golden Slipper than 18 in the Golden Rose. Let's hope it's a great race. With the Victorian presence (of Prince Harada, Fast 'N' Rocking and Thermal Current), it will make it interesting."

Owners of Prince Harada are expected to pay the $50,000 late-entry fee today. Prince Harada is the $3.60 favourite ahead of fellow Victorian Fast 'N' Rocking ($4.60). Zoustar is the $7 hope, with Cassidy more than happy with the colt's first-up run.

Robl elected to stick with Drago ahead of Cluster given Drago's sectionals first-up at Warwick Farm. Drago will also go into the race three weeks between runs. James McDonald becomes the new rider of Cluster.

GOLDEN ROSE
Rosehill Gardens, Saturday

Prince Harada $3.60
Fast 'N' Rocking $4.60
Zoustar $7
Cluster, Drago $9
Dissident, Sidestep, Thermal Current $13
Eurozone, War $17
Odds: TAB Sportsbet

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