Golden Rose the Target for San Domenico Stakes Winner Graff
Graff is favourite in early Golden Rose. Photo: Steve Hart

Golden Rose the Target for San Domenico Stakes Winner Graff

Graff has stamped himself as a colt to follow through the Spring Carnival after delivering a smart field a resounding defeat in this afternoon’s Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens.

The Star Witness colt received steady support in San Domenico Stakes betting prior to jump and did his chances no harm when leaving well and taking an ideal position in running, on the heels of early leaders Neutrality, Ringerdingding and Jonker.

Enjoying a good run in transit behind a genuine tempo, jockey Jason Collett produced the horse when the field turned for home and was a passenger as the horse mustered an electric turn of foot to easily put away his rivals; comfortably finding the line ahead of Neutrality and Performer.

Kris Lees has a huge opinion of the horse and is confident that he is in for a glittering Spring Carnival preparation.

“He’s the best colt I’ve had anything to do with, so it’s really exciting. He’s a really exciting horse,” Lees said.

“The short little break (from winter) and I’m really pleased with how he’s come back. I think there’s some really nice races in store for him – this is a really nice horse race.

“He’s a pretty serious horse.”

The Newcastle-based trainer confirmed that the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) and Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) will figure as Graff’s next campaign targets.

“He’ll go to the Run To The Rose and then the Golden Rose,” he confirmed.

“He’s got that attitude and is quite relaxed in his work at home, I think he’s got a very bright future.”

Graff debuted to racing for a dominant win at Rosehill Gardens in April and continued to impress with a smart win in the Listed Clarendon Stakes (1300m) at Hawkesbury three weeks later.

A Brisbane Winter Carnival campaign geared towards the Group 1 JJ Atkins was terminated when he hit his head in the barriers prior to the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and was a late scratching.

Graff has firmed into $9 second-favouritism in early 2018 Golden Rose betting.