3 minute read
The Heritage Stakes is shaping as an intriguing clash of proven and up-and-coming talent.
Ozzmosis gets his first chance to vindicate the decision of breeding giants Newgate Farm to buy into his ownership when he makes his seasonal return in the Heritage Stakes at Rosehill.
The exciting colt captured the attention of the renowned stud after two promising wins during his initial campaign, laying the platform for bigger spring targets.
That starts in Saturday's Listed Rosehill sprint, which brings together some proven juvenile formlines through stakes winners Barber, Namesake and Kristilli, along with a handful of emerging talents like Ozzmosis and Celestial Legend.
Trainer Bjorn Baker is the first to admit there are no 'soft' assignments at this time of year, but he cannot fault Ozzmosis' build-up, including his impressive barrier trial win.
"He's a horse that has always promised us a lot and his two wins were very good at the back end of last season," Baker said.
"He's got really good ability and he's got a great attitude, he's a very relaxed customer.
"It's never easy and often first-up is the race you're most anxious about, but I'm looking forward to getting him out there on Saturday.
"His work has been really good and hopefully he can run really well and put his hand up for some of the better three-year-old races over the carnival."
While the timing of Ozzmosis' campaign ruled out any thoughts of a shot at Saturday's Golden Rose (1400m), Baker does harbour Group 1 ambitions for the colt.
The Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington is the race they are keen to target, provided Ozzmosis can continue to march through the grades.
He has also been mentioned in Everest discussions, although Baker says that race is not his focus.
"It's not something I'm thinking about. I just hope he runs well on Saturday and we can look for a good spring," he said.
The three-year-old is a $2.25 favourite for the Heritage Stakes (1100m), ahead of Royal Tribute ($3) who he defeated when they met in June and who has since resumed with a strong win at Hawkesbury in slick time.
There has also been early support for Celestial Legend, another colt coming off a late-season campaign who has been backed from $8.50 to $6.50.