King Of Roseau stamps straight-track class with Aurie’s Star win

[Wandering Eyes]

King Of Roseau ridden by Michael Dee wins the Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington. (Photo: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos)

King Of Roseau has announced himself as a future Flemington regular after a commanding 1.5-length victory in Saturday’s Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m).

Trainer Peter Snowden believes the gelding’s growing affinity for the famous straight six will shape his spring program, calling the performance “a dominant win that proves he enjoys the place.”

The four-year-old son of Written Tycoon had already hinted at his Flemington prowess when third to Growing Empire and First Settler in last September’s Poseidon Stakes.

A return to a Good surface and the decision to geld him over summer have unlocked a new level of determination according to Snowden.

“He’s always had talent, but since we cut him he’s found his grit and kept stepping up through the grades,” the trainer said.

Michael Dee, fresh from a two-month stint in Japan and a European holiday, guided King Of Roseau to his fourth career win and third at Group level. Settled near the tail, Dee angled the $3.40 chance with horse racing bookmakers toward the outside rail at the 300m and unleashed a sharp sprint that quickly put the race to bed.

“The feel he gave me suggests there are bigger targets ahead,” the 15-time Group 1 rider said after completing a dream double that started with Bold Soul earlier in the day.

Splash Back, the $2.60 favourite, trailed King Of Roseau throughout but failed to match the winner’s burst, finishing fifth. Outsider Bandi’s Boy ($31) ran on for second, a length clear of Marble Nine ($5.50).

Snowden is already eyeing Flemington’s straight-track lead-ups to the Group 1 Champions Sprint in November, with the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) and Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) logical next steps.

“Not every horse takes to the straight, but this bloke clearly does, so we’ll be back,” he said.

The Aurie’s Star has a habit of launching spring campaigns. Right To Party parlayed last year’s win into Gilgai success, while The Astrologist (2021) went on to multiple Group 1 placings at home and abroad.

King Of Roseau now has the chance to join that honour roll – and, if Saturday is any guide, Flemington hasn’t seen the last of him.

2025 Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap Replay – King Of Roseau

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