Guest House on track for Everest after dominant victory in San Domenico

Guest House delivered a commanding performance in the San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill, breaking the track record and ending a 35-year streak for Golden Slipper winners. The 1100-meter Group 3 race saw the Home Affairs-owned colt, purchased for $30 million by Coolmore, surge past the favorite, Blue Door, under the expert guidance of jockey Zac Lloyd. The win, achieved in a time of 1:02:41, surpassed the previous track record set by Westicaro in 2007 and improved upon the class standard established by Home Affairs. Guest House took the lead late in the race, maneuvering close to the rail and finishing a length and a quarter ahead of the field. This marked the first time a Golden Slipper winner had claimed the San Domenico since Tierce in 1991, with Blue Door and Music Time securing the second and third positions respectively. Trainer Mick Price, who partners with Michael Kent Jr., praised both the tenacity of Guest House and the tactical brilliance of Lloyd. Price noted that while the horse showed some vulnerability at the 1100-meter distance, he believed the colt would benefit from further seasoning before peaking for key races such as the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400 meters), Everest (1200 meters), and Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200 meters). The trainer expressed confidence that Guest House had progressed significantly from his earlier victory in the Golden Slipper. With odds improving from $17 to $13 for the Everest, the horse appears poised to challenge for the prestigious prize on October 17. Price highlighted the importance of tenacity in such horses, noting that Lloyd's ability to adapt during the race played a crucial role in the victory. Lloyd, who secured a treble on Saturday with wins aboard Aethelwulf and Althoff, demonstrated exceptional riding skills throughout the San Domenico Stakes. His decision-making during the race was instrumental in positioning Guest House for success. According to Price, Lloyd’s approach was intuitive, allowing the horse to find its rhythm without unnecessary interference. The trainer emphasized that he placed trust in Lloyd’s judgment, stating that the rider’s instincts aligned perfectly with his own expectations. This synergy between rider and horse contributed to the decisive performance that propelled Guest House to victory. Meanwhile, Trainer Adrian Bott celebrated another breakthrough with Plagiarism, who won the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300 meters) in a front-running fashion. The gelding, sired by Written By, had previously struggled to secure consistent form, finishing third in the $1 million Golden Gift on debut and failing to place in subsequent races. However, this latest victory, achieved with jockey Regan Bayliss, signaled a turning point in Plagiarism’s career. Bott, who collaborates with Gai Waterhouse, now sees potential for the horse to compete in the Group 1 Golden Rose on September 26. He suggested that the 1400-meter distance may suit Plagiarism best, citing his recent improvement following a strong first-up effort. The trainer indicated that the next step for the gelding could be the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400 meters) on September 12. In addition to these successes, Trainer Matt Smith expressed optimism regarding Aethelwulf’s future prospects. The stayer, who performed strongly in the Metropolitan race, is expected to continue developing into a formidable contender. Smith described Aethelwulf as a “pretty serious horse” with the potential to make a significant impact in upcoming competitions. The focus will likely shift toward preparing the horse for longer distances, building on the momentum gained from his recent performances. As the racing season progresses, the achievements of Guest House, Plagiarism, and Aethelwulf underscore the competitive landscape of Australian thoroughbred racing. Each horse has demonstrated unique strengths, setting the stage for exciting challenges in the months ahead. The outcomes of their continued preparations will be closely watched by fans and industry professionals alike.