In a thrilling showdown scheduled for this Saturday afternoon, 13 three-year-old contenders are set to battle it out in the prestigious Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens.

All eyes will be on race favourite Shinzo, hailing from the illustrious Chris Waller barn. This colt, fresh off his victory in the coveted Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m), faces the added challenge of starting from barrier 10 in his return to the racetrack.

The Coolmore-owned sensation will reunite with acclaimed jockey Ryan Moore. With a scintillating performance in his last trial on August 11, Shinzo emerges as the frontrunner, boasting exceptional form.

Another formidable contender, the multiple Group 1 winner Militarize, also under the tutelage of Waller, enters the Golden Rose fray in his second outing, following a striking fifth-place finish in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m), narrowly missing out by three quarters of a length.

The skilled Joao Moreira, who previously guided Militarize to victory in the Group 1 ATC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) and the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m), takes the reins for the first time this spring.

Hot on the heels of an impressive triumph in The Run To The Rose, Cylinder is poised to carry the hopes of Godolphin as the stable aims for a remarkable fourth victory in the Golden Rose since 2015.

The lone filly in the field, Charm Stone, will boldly challenge the colts and geldings. After securing consecutive wins in the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) and the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) in her two outings this campaign, Charm Stone looks to make her mark in this elite competition.

The 2023 Golden Rose promises to be the highlight of the 10-race program at Rosehill Gardens, set to unfold on Saturday, September 23. Racing enthusiasts and punters alike can expect a day filled with heart-pounding action and memorable moments on the turf.