Ryan Maloney and Tony Gollan have combined in the Eagle Farm finale on Saturday afternoon as Comrade Rosa ($16) has held off the closing favorite Opal Ridge ($2.20) in the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes.
It was a grandstand finish to end the day as the moderate tempo meant the sit-and-sprint home would be a crucial one, and with the much more economical run it was Comrade Rosa who came out on top.
Since joining the Tony Gollan barn in the new year, the daughter of Capitalist has been on a terrific run of wins and minor placings, now making it four wins in six starts and now finding some much-deserved black type.
Comrade Rosa did get the perfect run throughout the 1300m journey, while it’s safe to say the same can’t be said for Opal Ridge who was brave to stick on into second and almost close over the top in the shadows.
Aureus Angel ($31) ran on with vigor from the rear of the field as well for each-way players and is one to follow through the grades.
2023 Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes Replay – Comrade Rosa
It’s all honours to the winner, however, as Comrade Rosa continues her rich vein of form under the guise of Tony Gollan who spoke about his four-year-old mare post-race.
“Gee she’s going well, isn’t she,” said Gollan.
“She’s racing so well. She used to want to dawdle out of the barriers but today she begun beautifully and she was able to hold the position on what was a very tardy speed, so that was basically the winning move.
“A good draw, in the right spot and she did the rest.
“I didn’t know whether we were going to be at this level yet. I thought in the summer she’s really well placed here but she’s going to blow that summer rating away now.
“So onwards and upwards to the Tatts Tiara.”
Jockey Ryan Maloney praised the Tony Gollan camp and how they’ve handled Comrade Rosa’s rise this preparation and indicated the Group 1 Tatts Tiara would be well within her grasp.
“She’s been a revelation since she’s come to Queensland,” said Maloney.
“Tony and the team have done a great job with her. Brought her through slowly. Today was going to be her biggest test but I thought she was up to it.
“She’s very honest. She makes us look good. She always tries and once we got the split I knew she was in for the fight and she surely was.
“Why not (head to the Tatts Tiara). She’ll be racing the same sort of horses. She’s not proven at the mile but she’s got the right temperament to run it out strongly.”
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