The Rosebud has taken on a different complexion after trainer Kacy Fogden decided to bypass the Listed sprint with Golden Slipper runner-up Best Of Bordeaux.
While the colt was widely expected to resume at Rosehill on Saturday, Fogden had flagged concerns over his 61kg top weight earlier in the week and he was not among acceptances on Wednesday.
He instead appears likely to resume under the set weights plus penalties conditions of the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) a fortnight from Saturday
The defection of Best Of Bordeaux has left a field of 12 for The Rosebud (1100m) with Tulloch Lodge gelding Kibou opening favourite at $3.20.
Gerald Ryan claimed the corresponding race five years ago with Menari, who went on to win the Golden Rose, and he will be represented by the resuming Psychiatrist on Saturday.
A headstrong juvenile, the colt has been much more relaxed in his work and his trials according to his trainer, who is hoping that transfers to his race day performances.
While he isn’t expecting the colt to win from a tricky draw in barrier 10, Ryan does believe Psychiatrist will perform better than his double-figure odds indicate.
“It might be a bit hard to expect him to win the race, but I expect the horse to run very, very well,” Ryan said.
“He’s bigger, he’s stronger, he’s more settled.
“The wide draw isn’t ideal because on first look, there appears to be a lot of speed underneath him but the way he has trialled and the way he has settled at home, I don’t think he’s one dimensional where he’s got to run along.
“We’ve curbed his enthusiasm a little bit and he’s a lot more settled.”
Hawkes Racing’s Sebonack will carry topweight of 58kg in The Rosebud after all weights were raised 3kg when the three highest handicapped horses – Best Of Bordeaux, Williamsburg and Lady Laguna – failed to accept.
All-Star Mile winner Mugatoo has been paid up to resume in the Bankstown Sports Handicap (1400m) and will carry 62kg after the three-kilo claim of apprentice Dylan Gibbons.
