John O’Shea is hoping it will be a case of like father, like son when Lion’s Roar (NZ) (Contributer) chases a Group One, 2000 metre target on Golden Slipper day.
The three-year-old will bid to add Saturday’s Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) to his victory in the Randwick classic, six years after his sire Contributer – who O’Shea also trained – won the Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) over the same course and distance on the corresponding program.
“We can only hope,” O’Shea said.
“I’m happy with where we’re at. I wouldn’t change anything and the horse is in good order so hopefully that reflects on the field on Saturday.”
Lion’s Roar has drawn awkwardly in barrier 12 and is an $8 chance in pre-post markets which have Mo’Unga (NZ) (Savabeel), who was a luckless second in the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m), as a clear-cut $2.80 favourite.
Montefilia (Kermadec) downed Lion’s Roar in the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) and is also highly regarded at $6.50 with Victorian Grandslam (Myboycharlie) ($8) the only other runner under double-figure odds.
Given Mo’unga’s good draw in barrier six, O’Shea figures bookmakers have made the right market assessments.
“Mo’unga looks to have drawn to get a very good run in the race,” O’Shea said.
“The filly beat our bloke last year so the formlines all tie in. I thought her run first up was fantastic in a race that has punched out a good few winners.”
O’Shea is looking for an improved run from Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park) as she continues her march towards the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) in the Gr.3 Epona Stakes (1900m).
“She is looking for a mile-and-a-half and a tough-run 1900 on Saturday is right up her alley,” O’Shea said.
