Annabel Neasham brought her undefeated three-year-old colt Libertad ($8.50) to the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes, and he proved way too good in the co-feature race of the day at Rosehill.
After taking out the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes in the autumn, the son of Russian Revolution brought some of the best form lines into the San Domenico.
Chad Schofield settled his mount in the one-one position to give him every possible chance and as the field rounded the home turn, he got Libertad off the back of The Instructor ($8.50) to boot clear and put up a winning margin with 200m to go.
Finishing in the placings, the fast-finishing Moravia ($13) and Butch Cassidy ($15) looked as though they were a little unlucky and would enjoy stepping up to 1200m next start.
2023 San Domenico Stakes Replay – Libertad
After Libertad's win, his trainer Annabel Neasham spoke post-race.
“Fantastic. From the tricky draw that was a masterstroke from Chad to end up in that spot,” Neasham said.
“The plan was just to ride the horse.
“We didn't know really what to do from the gate. He jumped really well.
“He just slotted into that spot and once we were there it was going to take a tough one to beat him but the exciting thing with him is he is still pretty woolly in the coat.
“He's an exciting colt with a big group of owners including Trilogy and he's taking them on a good ride.
“Hopefully just the traditional route. A couple of weeks into the Run To The Rose and then the Golden Rose.”
After riding him Libertad at all three starts, Chad Schofield was very happy to keep his undefeated streak alive on the colt.
“I'll be honest. Coming here today I thought we might need the run,” Schofield said.
“We drew the widest gate and planned to ride the horse quietly. I did say I would ride the horse on feel.
“He flew the gates and floated into a lovely position.
“From there I was able to sit and wait because I knew I had the two leaders covered.
“When I pressed the button, he quickened and held them quite comfortably.”
Libertad is now equal favourite at $11 with most online bookmakers in Golden Rose futures markets.