Alaskan Rose Takes Another Step to 1000 Guineas

It is exciting this far out to have our promising filly Alaskan Rose (pictured) so high up in 1000 Guineas markets and we are looking forward to seeing her take the next step towards big race glory at Caulfield on Saturday.

Despite the fact that she is rising from midweek class to Saturday company, Alaskan Rose is a short priced favourite for the Montague Tree Handicap and we are looking for a bold showing.

So impressive when saluting at debut, Alaskan Rose has drawn an inside gate for Steven Arnold and so long as she doesn't get into any trouble from there she should again prove hard to beat.

"We have been very happy with her," Michael Moroney reported, noting that "she has trained on really well."

"This will be her first look around Caulfield and after this we will look at the Guineas Prelude - so she will have a good bit of experience at the track before the 1000 Guineas."

Another horse being aimed at Caulfield carnival features is Rhythm To Spare who is on the comeback trail after being operated on for bone chips in his fetlocks.

Last seen when fourth in the Eclipse Stakes last spring, the talented six-year-old was fourth in last year's Toorak Handicap and he will again be aimed towards that Gr.1 mile.

Jake Bayliss takes the ride on Rhythm To Spare who resumes in the Hocking Stuart Handicap, a race in which he has unfortunately drawn out very wide in 16.

"It is a pity as we thought on his work that he could run a great race first up," said Moroney, "but he will need a lot of luck from out there."

"He is however really pleasing us and he does come in well with the claim."

Sydney has been getting some rain which is good for the prospects of About Square who contests the Tab Rewards Handicap at Rosehill on Saturday.

"He is a good wet tracker who just hasn't been striking suitable conditions but he should get a track to his liking on Saturday."

"There is a little question mark going around that way of going but he did run a great race in Listed company at Ellerslie when he was younger."

Another wet tracker is our fourth and final runner for the weekend, Lord Barrington heading to Sale on Sunday.

"They have been getting rain also and the prospect of a wet track gives him a good chance," Moroney said.

Drawn nicely in barrier four with Jake Noonan to ride, Lord Barrington has been racing in fine form this campaign, not always having the best of luck.