All systems go for Menari in Rose

Recent history is on the side of Golden Rose favourite Menari and his trainer Gerald Ryan says he has ticked all boxes leading into the $1 million race.

The past three winners – Hallowed Crown, Exosphere and Astern – have all won the Run To The Rose on their way to the Group One trophy.

At 16.3 hands and 570kg, Menari will be the biggest horse in Saturday’s 1400m-race and he has shown a devastating turn of foot in his two lead-up wins.

“Josh Parr came out and rode him trackwork this morning (Monday), Ryan said.

“The horse is terrific and Josh thinks the same.

“He has done everything right since his last win.”

Ahead of the declaration of the final field and barriers, Menari has tightened to $1.90 in the TAB market with Pariah, who he beat by 1-1/2 lengths last time out, at $6 and unbeaten Melbourne colt Merchant Navy at $8.

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Menari has appreciated the firmer tracks this campaign compared to the wet autumn when he still performed well, running third in the Golden Slipper before being demoted to fourth on protest.

The spring form of his stablemate Trapeze Artist, winner of the Black Opal Stakes and third in the Group One ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes, might not read as well but Ryan said he would run in the Golden Rose and would not be out of place.

“He looks the best he has this time in and he has done well in the stable,” he said.

“He will definitely run and I couldn’t be happier with both of them.”

Trapeze Artist is a $26 chance with Tye Angland to ride.

Godolphin colt Kementari, who had garnered support for the Golden Rose, has been diverted to Melbourne to concentrate on the Caulfield Guineas.

He finished fourth to Menari in the Run To The Rose and will run next in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude on October 1.