Fogden ‘rapt’ with Best Of Bordeaux ahead of The Rosebud

Following his first official barrier trial for the preparation, Best Of Bordeaux is right where he needs to be according to his trainer, Kacy Fogden.

The rising three-year-old is one of the main fancies for September’s Golden Rose (1400m) following a terrific first season in which he won two Group races, before running second to Fireburn in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m).

The colt by Snitzel was recently acquired by Coolmore Stud, so he will don the famous navy blue silks under Coolmore’s main rider, James McDonald, during his spring preparation.

Sam Clipperton has ridden Best Of Bordeaux in all three starts to date, but Coolmore has opted to replace him with Australia’s leading hoop in the hope of replicating the success that Home Affairs had in the 2021 spring.

In a video posted on Fogden’s social media pages, the trainer said she and McDonald were thrilled with the way Best Of Bordeaux trialled on Tuesday morning.

“He’s obviously spelled in tremendous order,” she said.

“Just really rapt with the way he’s come back into work and his attitude towards his work.

“He blew up a little bit over the back, but a very, very nice trial I thought for his first trial back.”

Miss Faberge finds the line first ahead of Absolute Star, Crystalane and Best Of Bordeaux in this morning’s 2YO trial. pic.twitter.com/a2Bn5KcOAI

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 26, 2022

After over-racing a touch along the back when caught wide, Best Of Bordeaux came back and cruised through his gears late to run fourth, just 1.3 lengths behind Miss Faberge.

The colt is likely to have another trial before resuming in The Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on August 13.

McDonald won The Rosebud 12 months ago aboard Paulele, so he too will be going into the Listed race full of confidence.

“James McDonald was really rapt with him today,” Fogden said.

“He gave him a beautiful feel. He got caught a bit deep, but he settled and relaxed beautifully for him, so it was just really nice to see him do that.

“A lot of improvement to come I think. We’re probably sitting exactly where we need to be heading into The Rosebud first-up.”

Best Of Bordeaux sits on the second line of betting with most Australian bookmakers for the Golden Rose, which will be run and won at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, September 24.

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