Watabout A Rosebud?

Owner George Altomonte says it’s his “gut feeling” Watabout won’t push on to the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m), even if she wins again at Randwick tomorrow.

After all, Altomonte already has a pretty good hope in the Golden Rose – favourite and Golden Slipper winner Overreach.

As Watabout gets ready to carry Altomonte’s famous white and orange colours in the Listed The Rosebud (1200m) at Royal Randwick, the owner was just as happy to discuss Overreach.

“Overreach will trial next Friday and she’ll go to the Golden Rose,” Altomonte said.

“She’s also nominated for the Thousand Guineas (1600m) in Melbourne.

“When she had her spell she put on 40kg and she’s grown a bit. If you were to see her now you’d really notice the difference. She’s much stronger, and I think because of that she will get that extra distance. I think she can get the mile.

“(Trainer) Gai (Waterhouse) has taken things easy with her and hasn’t rushed her.”

Overreach appeared to struggle over 1400m in the Sires Produce after her Slipper triumph.

But the Randwick track wasn’t generous to leaders the entire autumn carnival, while Altomonte said the filly would have been better off getting cover and having one last crack at them.

As for Watabout, Altomonte said: “My gut feeling is she won’t push on (to the Golden Rose), but it’s early days, and a lot can happen between now and then.

“She has been in a while and will need a break, even if it’s for five or six weeks.

“She’s going well, she’s a smart filly, and based on her past runs, she’s definitely shown she can win a black-type race.

“It’s a pretty good field on Saturday, nevertheless, we’ve got Nash Rawiller on her, and he’s ridden her to her past three wins. The good thing is she can also win in the wet or dry.”

Watabout was a heavily-backed favourite last start at Randwick, but meets rival Northern Glory 2.5kg worse at the weights.

Bart and James Cummings’ Eurozone also has good form around him and tuned-up for The Rosebud with a trial last Friday.

Altomonte said he had plenty to be excited about in the coming months, with not only Overreach to chase the Group 1 riches, and the Allan Denham-trained Watabout to measure up in good company later in the carnival, but Group 2 winnersIchihara and Bennetta who are both in work.

Altomonte also has Overreach’s half brother, a two-year-old by the name of Skylimit, who is sure to try and live up to big sister’s hype.

Written by Christian Nicolussi, The Daily Telegraph.

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