Runner-by-Runner Preview: Run to the Rose

Walkin' Talkin' Runner-by-Runner Preview of the Group 2 Run to the Rose – and it's going to be a cracker!

Traffic Warden
This guy’s been in some serious battles, stiff to my eye in the Slipper and just missing in the Sires’. Now, first up after a bleed? That’s a nugget of gold I love to follow, especially with this stable’s stats on Spring 3-year-olds. The trials have been sharp, and at his price, he’s all value.

Storm Boy
Storm Boy has returned with a bang, looking better than ever after his resuming win. He’s the clear favourite, but here’s the thing: I suspect he’s building towards the Golden Rose when the real pressure hits. Still, he’s hard to go past, even at the short price.

Switzerland
With 3 wins from 4 starts, you’d expect this one to stand out, but that Slipper performance left some doubts. And with quiet trials leading into this, Switzerland is a bit of a mystery for me here.

Bustling
Western Australia’s big hope, making his debut in the East and already booked for The Everest. His trials were solid, but I’m not sure he can eyeball Storm Boy first-up and hold on. The heat of this race might be too much too soon.

Linebacker
Only beaten once, and that was on a bog track in the Champagne. His prep looks solid, but like a few others, he may need a bit more distance to really show his stuff. He’ll be one to keep an eye on as the Spring develops to the 1400m and 1600m targets.

Fearless
Excuses in the Blue Diamond, but a very nice trial win recently. If he gets the right run, he could be the roughie to play small from a good stable.

Anode
Anode’s just not in the same league as Storm Boy. He’ll likely play second fiddle here, maybe helping his stablemate run some cover.

Tropicus
Went well fresh but looks like he’ll want more distance before we see his best. Expect more later in the prep.

Emirate
Undefeated and coming in with a big price tag. He’s done everything right so far, but this is a major step up. Trials have been just okay, so we’ll see if he can handle the leap.

Race Commentary:

Storm Boy is the one to beat, no doubt about it, but at that price, I’m more interested in Traffic Warden as an each-way bet. He’s back after a bleed and looks ready to fire, with not much between him and Storm Boy as 2-year-olds. Fearless is your roughie if you’re looking for a small wildcard to play. This race is going to shape the Spring stars for sure.

Tip: Each-way on Traffic Warden – he’s got some gold form factors and is the value!

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