Congo In Rosebud Campaign Opener

While the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained In The Congo (Snitzel-Via Africa, by Var) may not have the stakes form lines that some of the other runners in Saturday's Listed Rosebud at Randwick have, the debut winner looks to have above average ability, and with an ounce of luck could be unbeaten in his two starts to date. Raced in partnership by Newgate Farm, China Horse Club, Go Bloodstock Go, et al, the $350,000 Inglis Easter yearling sale graduate is the second foal of the three-time Gr1-winning Champion South African mare Via Africa (Var), whose first foal, a son of Redoute's Choice named Pleasant Endeavour has won two of four in Hong Kong, while the current yearling, a filly by Vancouver was sold to Ryan Bloodstock at this year's Easter Sale for $260,000. "We've always held him in pretty high regard. He's shown a high level of natural ability, he went shin sore early days which prevented him being up earlier in his career," stated co-trainer Bott. With six of the ten runners priced at $8 or less, it is clear that punters may have a hard time deciding on a favourite, which currently sits with the Hawkes Racing-trained Remarque (Snitzel-Response, by Charge Forward). He has not been seen on raceday since his 2-length fifth behind Anamoe (Street Boss) in the Gr2 Todman Stakes. Won in the past by the likes of Anders (Not A Single Doubt), Dawn Passage (Dawn Approach) and Menari (Snitzel), the winner of Saturday's race is bound to make his or her presence felt throughout the remainder of the Spring.

Two exciting colts by @ArrowfieldStud’s Snitzel who we’re sure to hear plenty of in the future as @ANeashamRacing’s Verne gets up in a photo to defeat @GaiWaterhouse1 & A. Bott’s In The Congo @aus_turf_club 🥇🥈@anz_news @TDNAusNZ @PhoenixThoroug1 @NoorilimPark @Chinahorseclub pic.twitter.com/GXtZNj4yAD

— Thoroughbred Content Management (@thoroughbredcm) June 12, 2021