Golden Rose a Formality for top filly

AAP - Saturday September 2

Formality will target the Group One Golden Rose rather than The Everest after the classy filly claimed another black-type win by a narrow margin at Randwick.

Formality fights on bravely for a narrow win in the Furious Stakes at Randwick.
  Photo: Steve Hart

A fortnight after she scored the Silver Shadow Stakes by a long head from one of Saturday's rivals Alizee, the Lindsay Park-trained three-year-old again prevailed in a tight finish to the Group Two Furious Stakes (1200m).

Although the $10 million highlight of Sydney's spring carnival was naturally raised after Formality scored over The Everest trip, co-trainer Ben Hayes thought the Golden Rose (1400m) on September 23 was a more viable goal.

Hayes doubted Coolmore Stud would open their slot to Formality on the strength of her last two victories.

"She's probably not dominating her races. It's up to them but the Golden Rose looks a very suitable race.

"That's the number one plan and I'd say we'll go there."

Formality, who has raced five Group races since her debut at Werribee, scored the Furious by half-a-head as the $2.35 favourite.

Champagne Cuddles ($4.40) flew home late while I Am Excited ($15) was a head back in third.

Hayes had a theory on why the margin was close with Kerrin McEvoy.

"Coming down the straight she might not have seen them with that one-eye blinker on her," he said.

"She might have thought she was well in front.

"They were all flying out wide late. It as a really good win."

Hayes reckoned the step up to 1400m in the Golden Rose would not be an issue.

"I wouldn't say she was weakening at the end of that race. She was strong, I think 1400 will suit her.

"She's got plenty of improvement in her. Her coat's still falling out as you can see."

McEvoy was unsure whether Formality could stretch to 1400m in her first crack at a Group One.

"It's still up in the air for mine, it remains to be seen," he said.

Advertisment
More Reading...
El Vencedor wins G3 Balmerino Stakes
El Vencedor is making a habit of picking up major victories at Ellerslie, adding the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) to his burgeoning record at Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup Day meeting.
2024 Melbourne Cup Result - It's Knights Choice
The 2024 Melbourne Cup has been run and won with Knight’s Choice, a five-year-old gelding by Extreme Choice victorious.
Kiwi Bred Gringotts Wins $3million Big Dance
Talented New Zealand-bred gelding Gringotts(NZ) (Per Incanto) delivered a big payday for his connections with victory in Tuesday’s A$3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick.
Knights Choice a True Underdog Story
Punters were left stunned when the Queenslander Knight's Choice and Japanese visitor Warp Speed (JPN) emerged from the pack to fight out a dramatic finish to the $8,560,000 Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.
More Stakes Success for Air Assault
Group I placed last season in the SA Derby, talented gelding Air Assault kept the winning run going for Victoria Derby winning trainer Andrew Gluyas when taking out the Listed SAJC John Letts Cup (1800m) at Morphettville on Melbourne Cup Day.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday November 5
Here is the full list of 145 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
$6million Frankel Mare Tops Fasig -Tipton November Sale
The Fasig-Tipton November Sale, billed as the World’s Premier Breeding Stock Event, was held Monday at the company’s Newtown Paddocks in Lexington, Kentucky. Twenty-five offerings sold for $1,000,000 or more, led by a trio of Grade/Group 1 winners with international appeal.
Coolmore Announce Euro 2025 Fees
Coolmore have announced fees for their 20 strong European sire roster with three new additions City of Troy (Justify), Auguste Rodin (Deep Impact)and Henry Longfellow (Dubawi) and a significant increase for Wootton Bassett, who is currently in Australia.
Melbourne Cup Winner for Extreme Choice – Rare Slice of History
This year’s $8.5million Group I VRC Melbourne Cup (3200m) produced a genuinely amazing fairytale result for the connections of five year-old Extreme Choice gelding Knight’s Choice, but part of that fairytale is his sire Extreme Choice, who has carved out something seriously special as being only the second sire in history to produce the winner of a Golden Slipper and a Melbourne Cup.
Rosemont and Partners Stakes Quinella on Cup Day
Written Tycoon posted his second new stakes-winner on Melbourne Cup Day when promising three year-old gelding Catoggio took out the Listed VRC Amanda Elliot Stakes (1400m)  for Rosemont Stud and partners, who also race the second horse Bosustow.