FOCUS ON COLT TO SETTLE CLOSER FOR RUN TO THE ROSE

A better draw should enable the promising Under Focus to settle closer in his Golden Rose trial at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Dylan Gibbons again rides the three-year-old in the Group 2 The Run To The Rose (1200m), the final lead-up to the $1m Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at the same track a fortnight later.

Under Focus on resumption was a “flashing light” sixth to Chilly Girl in the Listed Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill on August 15, finishing off strongly after having little clear galloping room in the straight.

Leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees purposely gave the Too Darn Hot colt a month between runs, choosing to trial him at Gosford over 1000m on August 31 in between.

“Under Focus had a nice tick-over trial, finishing second to Skyhook,” Lees’ stable spokesman Danny Greer said today.

“He drew awkwardly first-up in the Rosebud, and from barrier five this time should be able to settle closer.

“Under Focus led on debut when runner-up to the boom three-year-old The Next Episode at Warwick Farm in March, then was up on the speed when he broke through on the Kensington track a fortnight later.

“We’re looking forward to him running really well on Saturday and stamping his chances for the Golden Rose.”

Lord Of Biscay (Gibbons) and Rivellino (James McDonald) both begin new campaigns at the Rosehill meeting.

This year’s Provincial-Midway Championships Final winner Lord Of Biscay takes on the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m), and dual acceptor Rivellino lines up in the Benchmark 88 Handicap (1200m).

“Lord Of Biscay has had the two trials to ready him for his return,” Greer said.

“Whilst he has won first-up before, this is a tougher assignment and he is sure to take good improvement from it.

“Rivellino had tie-back surgery and Kris has given him three trials to build his fitness for his first run back.

“His last trial at Gosford over 1000m at Gosford on August 31 was his best when he beat stablemate Tavi Time.”

Pier Pressure will dodge the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill and instead tackle tomorrow’s Tuncurry-Forster Gold Cup (1600m) at Tuncurry.

“She was plain last time in the Murwillumbajh Cup (1590m), and Kris has decided to put blinkers back on her,” Greer said.

“Christian Reith has won on Pier Pressure, and rides her tomorrow.”

Barazin (Michael Rodd) in the Benchmark 88 Handicap (2020m) and Power Of The Brave (apprentice Ben Osmond) in the Open Handicap (1110m) are the stable’s two runners at Doomben on Saturday.

“Barazin can mix his form, but would be hard to beat in this if he finds his best, and has the rails alley,” Greer said.

“We’ve had this race in mind for Power Of The Brave for a while, but he has a tricky draw.

“Ben won’t be able to utilize his claim, but will ride him at his correct weight (53.5kg). STORY BY JOHN CURTIS, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026. PIC BRADLEY PHOTOS.