Formality in order for Golden Rose assault

Formality will be one of two fillies trying to become the first of her sex to win the Golden Rose in almost a decade and Lindsay Park co-trainer Ben Hayes expects her to be in the finish.

The filly and Merchant Navy are the two Victorian-trained runners in the $1 million race while Shogun Sun flies the flag for Queensland at Rosehill.

Formality enters the Golden Rose off two victories at Randwick, the Silver Shadow Stakes and the Furious Stakes both over 1200m.

Hayes, who trains with his father David and uncle Tom Dabernig, acknowledges Saturday’s race against the colts is a class rise but knows the filly is in top order.

“She’s had a great prep,” Hayes said.

“She’s won her two lead-up races to the Golden Rose and beaten some of Sydney’s best three-year-olds.

“I’ve been with her at every start and she’s now really coming through in the coat.

“She’s looking really well and hopefully there’s a lot more improvement in her that will come out on Saturday.”

Formality has raced seven times for four wins and two minor placings, including a third in the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in February won by stablemate Catchy.

Her only flop came on heavy ground at Rosehill in the Golden Slipper in March, when she was 14th behind She Will Reign.

Hayes would have liked a better barrier than 13 in the 14 horse field.

“I would have loved for her to have drawn an inside barrier,” he said.

“She’s a horse that naturally rolls forward on the speed and she’ll have to roll forward from that barrier

“If she could get away with an easy lead I think she’ll be right in the race.”

Shogun Sun’s trainer Kelly Schweida is expecting a better performance than the gelding’s last-start midfield finish behind Menari in the Run To The Rose.

“He got back further than we wanted in the Run To the Rose when he flashed home and ran fifth. He ran the fastest final 600 metres of the race,” Schweida said.

“From barrier six we should be a lot closer this time.”